Picture a Belgian Malinois with sandy paws, ears perked and tongue happily lolling out on a Driftwood Beach backdrop. That is K-9 Nix, Lincoln City’s beloved patrol dog who stands ready for the next chapter.

After eight years of tireless service, Nix is hanging up her duty vest. She first served with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office from 2018 to 2021, and then with the Lincoln City Police Department (2022 to 2026).

A public retirement celebration was originally planned for March 19 but has since been canceled (see update above). Nix will still be honored with a private in-house event at the department.

BEACON EVENTS PAGE

Nix, a female Belgian Malinois, started her law enforcement journey with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office around 2018. She was partnered with Deputy Derick Smith. When her original handler retired in early 2022, she transferred to the Lincoln City Police Department along with her patrol vehicle. There she teamed with Senior Officer Cody Snidow. As one of two K-9s in the department (alongside K-9 Nato, a German Shepherd), Nix specialized in tracking and apprehension. She located suspects who fled crime scenes, hid in buildings or dense woods, and operated in conditions too dangerous or dark for human officers alone.

Her work was not just about arrests. It was about saving lives and keeping the Oregon Coast safe. She often worked in multi-agency operations that spanned Lincoln, Tillamook and beyond.

A Nose for Justice

Nix’s tracking skills shone early. On May 9, 2019, while still with the Sheriff’s Office, she responded to a traffic stop at “D” River Wayside State Park in Lincoln City. When 27-year-old Jacob Ivan Sutter (wanted on a felony probation violation for burglary and stalking) fled on foot along the beach and across the river, Nix picked up the scent. She located him hiding in thick brush 20 feet up the embankment. Sutter was arrested on the warrant plus eluding and escape charges.

Fast-forward to March 27, 2024. One of Nix’s most heartwarming and critical calls unfolded. An 81-year-old man had driven off an embankment at Mile Marker 17 on Highway 20 the night before. It was apparently due to a medical episode. The crash went unnoticed until a passerby spotted it the next afternoon. With no other K-9 units available in the county, Officer Snidow and Nix were dispatched around 2:30 p.m.

Nix quickly tracked the missing driver about 100 yards from the wrecked car. He was trapped in dense blackberry thickets. Officers then discovered the man’s elderly wife still inside the vehicle. She was suffering from a head injury. Both were rushed to a Newport hospital for treatment. The Lincoln City Police Department later noted in a press release: “This incident highlights the importance of the Police K-9 program available in Lincoln City. Lincoln City Police Officer Snidow and K-9 Nix were instrumental in locating the driver and ensuring he received medical care. The Lincoln City Police Department is grateful for the community support that allows us to run this beneficial program.”

In July 2025, Nix again proved her value in a multi-agency case on Highway 18. After a stolen vehicle crashed, one suspect was in custody. But a blood trail led into the woods. Deployed to assist the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Nix located the second suspect. He had serious injuries and received life-saving medical care before being lodged in jail. The investigation uncovered multiple felony property crimes tied to Lincoln City.

Just months later, on November 18, 2025, Nix and Snidow pursued 32-year-old Selvin Fajardo Landa after he fled a traffic stop in Lincoln City and ran into the Agnes Creek Open Space. Nix tracked him on foot until he surrendered. He was booked on existing warrants plus new charges including reckless driving and eluding.

More Than a Police Dog: Community Ambassador

Nix has not just served on the streets. She has been a bridge to the community. The K-9 unit regularly participates in school demonstrations, Citizens Academy, National Night Out, Touch-A-Truck events and crime-prevention programs. As recently as February 2026, she helped local Girl Scouts earn their Animal Helpers badge through hands-on demos of her skills and role.

The entire K-9 program exists thanks to community generosity. It was originally funded by local donations and sustained through the Lincoln City Police Department’s K-9 Fund. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to 1503 SE East Devils Lake Rd.

A Well-Earned Retirement for a Good Girl

As Nix retires, she will trade high-stakes tracking for beach walks, belly rubs and the life of a cherished family pet. Most likely she will stay right alongside her handler, Senior Officer Cody Snidow.

“These dogs give everything,” one local resident posted on social media this week. “Thank you for your service, Nix!”

The Lincoln City Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office both served alongside her. The community she protected for eight years now gets to say thank you in person.

Come celebrate this local hero on March 19. Bring the kids. Nix would love one last round of pets and photos before she officially clocks out.