Day of the Dog Squad illustrates the origin of the EPS Canine Unit approximately 50 years ago.
“It was 1963, and Sgt. Val Vallevand, an Edmonton police officer, was trying to convince the Chief of Police to form a dog squad,” says Corps Sgt. Major Gary Cook. “The Chief wasn’t thrilled with the idea but decided to give Val and his dog Sarge a chance.”
Police service dogs and their handlers continue to protect the citizens of Edmonton today, carrying on the proud tradition.
Vallevand, who passed away in 1994, was a man of many talents. Following a career in the military during the Second World War, he joined the Edmonton Police Department in 1955. A self-taught artist, Vallevand would go on to paint portraits of many prominent Edmontonians.
A self-portrait done later in life shows Vallevand and Police Service Dog Sarge responding to a call. The painting hangs on the wall at the EPS kennels, which are named in Vallevand’s honour.
Limited quantities of Legacy of Heroes: Day of the Dog Squad are now available at all EPS Divisions. A digital edition is available on the EPS website.
Watch Val Vallevand Behind the Cover to learn more about the founder of the EPS Canine Unit:
Background
Legacy of Heroes was launched in 2014. The series is dedicated to telling Edmontonians about the remarkable people and events that are part of the Service’s history. It is written and illustrated by members of the EPS Corporate Communications Branch.
Twenty thousand copies of the first two issues have been distributed to schools, community groups, museums and the general public. The digital version has been viewed over a thousand times by readers around the world.