Emotional Day for RCMP in Innisfail
Innisfail, Alberta – LEGAL – Inspector André Lemyre, the Officer in Charge of RCMP Police Dog Services, hosted an event today at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre (PDSTC) in Innisfail, Alberta to update Canadians on the status of Danny, the Police Service Dog (PSD).
PSD Danny’s partner, Cst. David Ross, was killed in the line of duty on June 4, 2014 in Moncton, NB, and since those the events, there has been a public swell of interest in Danny and his future.
This event provided an opportunity to thank Canadians for their support, and to provide an update on PSD Danny’s status and return to active police duty.
“We are really appreciative for the outpouring of support and interest from Canadians for Danny and his well-being. It’s been passionate and persistent since the events of June 4,” said Insp. Lemyre, Officer in Charge of RCMP Police Dog Services, “I want to thank all Canadians for the support and compassion they’ve shared since the passing of our fallen members, and for Danny and his future.”
The RCMP will not be sharing Danny’s new posting or any information pertaining to Danny’s new handler with the media or public.
“What’s important now is that Danny and his new handler be given the opportunity to perform their duties to the highest standard,” said Insp. Lemyre, “We want to give them both every opportunity to succeed and thrive in their new partnership.”
Danny was born on Sept. 7, 2011 at the PDSTC and at eight weeks of age, he was sent to Vancouver Island to be raised and imprinted by an RCMP member and aspiring dog handler. On Dec. 4, 2012, after showing great potential, Danny was sent to Cst. David Ross in Moncton, NB, and together they returned to the PDSTC on April 22 to begin their formal training.
The team graduated on Aug. 30, 2013, and then returned to Moncton as part of the Codiac Regional Police Dog Services where they served with pride.
Following the tragic events of June 4, 2014, Danny was returned to the PDSTC, where he was teamed with a new and experienced handler to begin a bonding process. Danny and his new handler returned to the PDSTC in early August and began their re-team training. They will be returning to operational policing in the near future to serve and protect Canadians.
Danny is a progeny of the RCMP breeding program. He is first and foremost a police service dog, and has been bred, imprinted and trained through rewards starting at a young age. He has confidence and is very driven, which makes him an excellent police service dog. Danny is performing a service which he loves to do and it is expected that he will be able to continue his career as a police service dog for at least five more years.Further information about the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre and Program.
