Riggs named State Fire Marshal’s ‘Top Cop’

For Kayla Riggs, a chance application has led to a career she thoroughly enjoys.  Her labor of love was rewarded Thursday when Riggs was named the Mississippi Fire Marshal’s ‘Top Cop’.

When Riggs’ military career was cut short by a severe injuries to her foot and ankle, she found herself seeking a new career path. Her father, retired Warren County Undersheriff Jeff Riggs, encouraged her to apply for a position with the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“I didn’t even know what a fire investigation did.” Kayla remarked.

Still, in early 2019, Kayla joined the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office as a fire investigator and soon became a K-9 handler for her partner Ringo.

Chief Fire Marshal Ricky Davis, Kayla Riggs, Ringo, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann (credit: Mississippi Department of Insurance).

“Kayla is an awesome employee, dedicated, very serious about her duties,” Chief Fire Marshal Ricky Davis said. “Most don’t realize that our investigators are always on call and she is always ready to respond when and wherever needed. She handles the sweeps of the state capital facilities and all major events for our agency.”

Riggs and Ringo gained notoriety when celebrity Tim Tebow approached them at an event in Jackson to request a photo with the canine.

Tim Tebow, Kayla Riggs and Ringo in Nov. 2020 (photo courtesy of MS Fire Marshals Office)

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hoseman was on hand to present Riggs with her high honor, along with Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney and Chief Fire Marshall Ricky Davis.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is a division of the Insurance Commissioner’s Office.

Vicksburg Daily News sends congratulations to Kayla Riggs on being selected for the honor of Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s ‘Top Cop’.