Local Preschoolers Meet Rik, the Bomb Sniffing Canine

Students of The Learning Experience preschool greeted a unique visitor last week, while learning a thing or two about the different roles of police enforcement.

Special Agent Rik of the FBI, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois, demonstrated how his keen sense of smell can be used to sniff out explosive substances.

Rick and his handler, a Special Agent and K-9 Handler for the Newark Division of the FBI, were invited to demonstrate how they work together to detect potentially explosive materials.

“It's a community liaison and outreach program to let the children know that the FBI are friends and that we are here to help,” said the Special Agent who cannot be named for security reasons.

The agent explained to the children that Rik, like all dogs, has a much more sensitive nose than humans, but with special training Rik is able to use his heightened sense of smell to find harmful materials so they can be disposed of.

It took Rik only moments to sniff out a sealed bag of gunpowder hidden inside a small container in the classroom. When the gunpowder was found, Rik sat and pointed to where it was hidden with his nose, while students applaused. For doing such a great job, Rik was awarded his tennis ball, which the agent explained was his favorite toy. 

The hidden gunpowder was in a sealed bag and without any flammable agents in the vicinity, posed no threat to the children at any time.

The demonstration was organized by Phil Chaiklin, a lifelong resident of Livingston and father of 2-year-old Michael Chaiklin who attends the preschool. Phil is a member of the FBI Citizens Academy, a group which teaches civilians about the FBI and enables them to raise awareness of FBI practices throughout their community.

“This was a great way to raise awareness and teach the kids that there are working service dogs out there that aren't pets,” he said. “It's very important for the kids to be exposed to law enforcement and learn that they are friends.” 

This was the fist time The Learning Experience had a canine visitor from the FBI but not the first time Rik has been able to show off his skills for an audience. Rik and his partner often visit schools to provide demonstrations and raise awareness when they are not in the office or in the field. 

“Rik is especially great at community outreach,” the agent said. “Everyone always loves to watch him work and pet him to let him know he did a good job.”