Now on duty: Two new K9 officers graduate at WPS ceremony

The Windsor Police Service has welcomed a new furry crew member to the K9 Unit. CTV Windsor’s Michelle Maluske reports.

K9 Officer Smoke and K9 Officer Shadow graduated from training on Wednesday in Windsor and will now be on regular patrol in Windsor and Sarnia respectively.

Police Dog Smoke, an 18-month-old German Shepherd Malinois from Holland, is partnered with Const. Rylan Salmon for the Windsor Police Service.

Shadow, a two-year-old German Shepherd also from Holland, is partnered with Const. Kyle Vince for the Sarnia Police Service.

Both dogs were chosen by the WPS K9 Unit, where they underwent 15 weeks of intensive training for detection of narcotics, ammunition, and firearms.

“We are excited to welcome Smoke to our K9 Unit,” said Insp. Andrew Randall.

“This dog has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication throughout their training, and we look forward to the positive impact this team will have on our community.”

Meantime, K9 Officer Coal is now officially retired after serving the City of Windsor for eight years. He will live out his retirement with Const. Eric Willson.

Willson, who never owned a dog before Coal, said it was a thrill and a privilege to be his handler.

“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Coal for his many years of service and wish him a very happy retirement,” Randall added.

A full photo gallery of the dogs is available here.

More to come.