K-9 Unit

2008 was an interesting year for the Saugeen Shores Police Canine Unit.  Following the devastating injury to PSD Titan’s elbow, the community assisted in raising funds to cover his emergency care. Several collection sites were set up and were very generously supported. A Wash-a-Dog –a – Thon was set up at the Sun Set Car wash and once again, a great turn out from the public resulted in a large amount of money being raised. Constable Tracey Bookham-Smith, Guy Helwig and Taun Frosst all contributed their personal time to make this event a success. Following attempts to rehab his injury, it was determined that Titan would be unable to resume his duties with Saugeen Shores Police. Titan was subsequently placed with Dr. Jeff Berry of the Southampton Pet Hospital who continues to look after and care for him.

In the fall, thoughts turned to locating a replacement Police Service Dog. Several dogs were considered and tested with the result being the selection of  “AGGRO”, a 14 month old German Shepherd dog as the successful candidate. Once again, the community became involved in fund raising to support the cost of and training of AGGRO and a very successful Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon was held. Many thanks go out to Abby Bolton for her time organizing this event and for John Divinski for getting in touch with his feminine side.

Training continued for AGGRO throughout the fall and winter of 2008, and in the spring of 2009, he was certified to the standards required to make him and PC A. Stewart a canine team.

Our police service has had four police dogs over the years, Stryker, Ace, Raptor, Titan and currently Aggro. Our K-9 unit handler is Constable Andy Stewart and has been the handler for all the police dogs. Aggro and Constable Stewart receive annual training and re-certifications from Niagara Regional Police.

Area police services have called upon our K-9 unit for assistance. Our K-9 unit is called out for searches for lost and missing people, tracks from crime scenes and drug warrants.

Constable Stewart is a proud member of our police service who attends many events on his own time to show off his K-9 partner.