Nicholas Robert had a big heart, a deep love for animals, and tremendous respect for law enforcement.
Throughout his life, Nicholas faced challenges related to bipolar disorder. During difficult moments, officers from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and IMPD became an important source of support for both Nicholas and his family.
When Nicholas recognized that he was struggling, he would sometimes call the Boone County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number himself. Deputies would come to talk with him, helping him work through the moment calmly and safely.
Later, when Nicholas moved to Indianapolis, his mother, Dr. Julie Hirsch, reached out to IMPD so officers could get to know her son and better understand how to help him during a crisis. Officers took the time to listen, learn about Nicholas, and recognize that despite his imposing size, he was not a threat—he was often someone who simply needed patience, conversation, and support.
“They were so good to him,” his mother, Dr. Julie Hirsch, recalled.
Those relationships became incredibly meaningful to the family. When Nicholas passed away at age 26, officers who had known him reached out to offer their condolences, with several sharing how much they had learned from him.
“Nick had such high regard for policemen,” Dr. Hirsch said. “Those police officers helped Nick to stay alive as long as he did.”
That gratitude inspired Dr. Hirsch and her family to honor Nicholas in a way that reflected two things he loved: animals and law enforcement.
Their donation helped purchase two explosive detection K9s for the IMPD K9 Unit. Dr. Hirsch named them Nick and Bob in honor of her son’s full name, Nicholas Robert.
“I could feel Nick smiling,” she said.
Nearly seven years later, K9 Nick continues to serve alongside his handler, Officer Craig R. Hedden.
“Nick has been a great ambassador for our Unit and a skilled explosive detection K9,” Hedden shared in a recent update. “He is a valued member of our Unit, and I am very lucky to have him as my partner.”
K9 Nick recently participated in a demonstration for the IMPD Teen Academy, where he was a big hit with students—another example of how his role extends beyond specialized police work to positive community connections.
For Dr. Hirsch, seeing K9 Nick continue to serve makes the family’s gift especially meaningful.
“I love to see Nick the dog in action,” she said. “Craig has done such a nice job with him.”
What began with officers showing compassion to Nicholas when he needed it most became a family’s way of giving back. Today, K9 Nick continues that legacy through his service to IMPD and the Indianapolis community.