Top dogs in EPS Canine Unit

Const. Murray Burke and PSD Maverick won the competition with the following rankings:

• 1^st  place Overall
• 1^st  place Obedience
• 1^st  place Criminal Apprehension
• 4th place Detection

Const. Burke and Maverick have been with the EPS Canine Unit for five years.

First-time competitors Const. Kelly Lang and PSD Fozzy also did very well by placing fourth in Criminal Apprehension. They have been with Canine Unit for only five months.

Overall, 35 police service dogs and their handlers from 15 police agencies competed in the three-day event in Medicine Hat.

The first two days of competition focussed on tracking evidence, searching buildings and areas, as well as drug and explosive detection. The final competition day concentrated on obedience, agility, and criminal apprehension.

“The competition at the CPCA Trials is tough. It demands comprehensive teamwork between the handler and the canine partner. The testing is strict and you’re going up against the best in the country,” says A/Supt. Gary Godziuk. “To bring home multiple awards, including first overall, is an impressive accomplishment.”

Congratulations to Cst. Burke and Maverick along with Cst. Lang and Fozzy on a job well done!