Photos courtesy BC RCMP
NANAIMO, B.C. — The RCMP Police Dog Services family has grown once again with the arrival of Basko, a promising young pup born on May 29, 2026, at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre (PDSTC) in Innisfail, Alberta.
Now calling Nanaimo home, Basko comes from an impressive police dog lineage. His father, Police Service Dog (PSD) Neon #1173, is currently serving alongside his handler in Nanaimo. His grandfather, PSD Jago #1056, is remembered as a courageous police dog who was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 17, 2021, while protecting his handler and fellow officers.
While Basko may still be young, his journey toward becoming a Police Service Dog is already underway.
Basko will be raised and trained by a specially selected imprinter, a police officer trained to develop future police dogs from puppyhood. Under the guidance of experienced Police Dog Services members, Basko will spend the next one to two years learning the skills required of an RCMP Police Service Dog.
Throughout his development, Basko will undergo evaluations every three to four months to ensure he is progressing toward the program’s standards. His training will include exposure to a wide variety of environments, people, sounds, animals, and experiences, helping build the confidence and abilities needed for future operational work.
Although Basko will live as part of his imprinter’s family, his daily life will be focused on training, socialization, and development as he prepares for a career in policing.
For now, Nanaimo residents may spot Basko around the community as he explores the world, learns new skills, and takes his first steps toward following in the paw prints of those who came before him.
“Basko has some big paws to fill, but his family history and early development are already setting the stage for what we hope will be a successful future in Police Dog Services.” Said Cst Jordan Braid, handler for Police Services Dog Neon.
