The newest member of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) accepted his badge with pride today (Dec 2).
Blue is a handsome, 16-month-old German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, who has just finished an intense 16 weeks of training with his handler, Constable Matt Volaric, and is now deployed into active duty as a police service dog (PSD).
Blue has been trained for general patrol and as a drug and firearm detection K9.
"When you do the K9 course, it is an incredible sacrifice and commitment," said HRPS Deputy Chief Jeff Hill. "For the members who go through this, their families sacrifice their time, the members sacrifice their time. They literally live this every day for 16 weeks."
Earlier this week, HRPS retired PSD Arrow after eight years of service. His replacement, Blue, brings the total number of HRPS dogs back up to six.
Blue accepted his name and his badge from the family of late Detective Constable Mike Tidball.
"Detective Constable Tidball was an active and long-time member of Emergency Services as a crisis negotiator," HRPS said in a press release. "Mike was present for many high-priority incidents and was an integral part of numerous peaceful resolutions to these incidents.
"Mike was well respected by all members of ESU (Emergency Services Unit) and he always showed a special interest and respect for the police service dogs. His sudden and untimely passing left a noticeable void within Emergency Services."
HRPS said it was "unanimously" decided by members of the K9 unit to offer naming rights to the Tidballs, in honour of their lost colleague.
Tidball's wife Kimberley, son Colton and daughter Kenzley all attended the "graduation," where PSD Blue heard his name for the first time as many of Tidballs' former colleagues lined the room to pay tribute.
"It represents the men and women in blue who serve and protect our community," Kimberley said of choosing Blue's name. "It is something that Mike did very proudly."
In addition to Blue, two PSDs joining the Greater Sudbury Police Service and their handlers were also on hand to formally move to active duty as well as GSPS Inspector Marc Brunette.
Dusko and Royal were welcomed to the GSPS and were accompanied by their respective handlers, Constable John Robinson and Constable Chris Vitali.
"Our PSDs are a member of our service and we consider them our partners," said Hill. "Our K9 program is important; it does so many different things for us. They are invaluable to us and we consider them family as well."
