The Calgary Police Service Canine Unit has been supporting frontline policing for more than 66 years and continues to keep communities safe.
Photos courtesy Calgary Police Service
CALGARY, Alta., — The Calgary Police Service recognized the certification of four new Police Service Dog (PSD) teams, two Human Remains Detection Dog (HRDD) teams, four new Drug Detection Dog (DDD) teams from the Alberta Sheriffs and a newly certified Police Service Horse (PSH) team.
A badge ceremony at the Calgary Police Canine Park celebrated these teams and their handlers for their achievement.
Badge recipients include:
- PSD Ozzy: Sgt. Rob Tippett
- PSD Pronto: Const. Keegan Metz
- PSD Leroy: Const. Ryan Avery
- PSD Zom: Const. Ryan Broder
- HRDD Quinn: Const. Yannick Caron
- HRDD Bill: Const. Daniel Rogers
- DDD Lurko: Sgt. Jonathan Walker
- DDD Scarlet: Sheriff Officer Yoosef Monib
- DDD Seamus: Sheriff Officer Bar Sandrusi
- DDD Portos: Sheriff Officer Kai Kleckner
- PSH Archer: Const. Razvan Alexe
The Calgary Police Service Canine Unit has been supporting frontline policing for more than 66 years and continues to keep our communities safe. Canine teams provide specialized support in suspect apprehension, the detection of drugs and explosives, and the recovery of human remains.
Breeds such as German shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Labrador retrievers are carefully chosen for their strong sense of smell, work ethic and ability to connect with handlers and the public. On average, each dog is deployed about four times per shift. All training is done in-house by experienced officers, who must first spend at least five years working patrol before joining the unit.
The Calgary Police Service has worked closely with the Alberta Sheriffs to develop drug detection capabilities within highway patrol operations, strengthening public safety partnerships across the province. This event also marks the 20th anniversary of the CPS Human Remains Detection Program and highlights the approximately 5,000 calls for service our canine teams respond to each year. The work was made possible through strong collaboration and contribution from the Alberta Sheriffs.
The Mounted Unit has a long history dating back to 1910. It has become a valued part of the Service. Mounted officers support a wide range of work, including patrol, public safety, search operations and ceremonial events. They also play a role in connecting with the community, drawing people in and creating positive, memorable interactions.
Today, Police Service Horses are named in honour of significant moments in Canadian military history. Each name serves as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our county.
The newest addition, PSH Archer, is a five-year-old Percheron and American Quarter Horse cross gelding. Despite being smaller than some others in the unit, Archer brings a strong work ethic, agility and a steady temperament to his role. Since beginning his training with the Calgary Police Service last year, he has quickly shown his capability across all aspects of mounted patrol work. Known for his friendly and playful personality, Archer is often the first to greet visitors and is always eager to get to work. Named after Operation ARCHER, his name honours Canada’s contributions to international efforts in Afghanistan, including supporting the development and training of Afghan security forces as part of a broader mission to rebuild national institutions.
The badge presentation recognized the certification of these teams, while celebrating the continued achievement and transition of service within the Calgary Police Service Canine and Mounted units. It also recognized the important role families and trainers play in supporting these teams behind the scenes.
