A few weeks ago, Metro Vancouver Transit Police’s explosive detection dog, PSD Harnett, visited Calgary to participate in the Canadian Police Canine Association trials. This annual event brings together law enforcement canine teams from across Canada to showcase their skills in a series of exercises and demonstrations.
PSD Harnett, a two-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, graduated from training on June 30, 2022, and officially joined the Metro Vancouver Transit Police as an explosive detection dog. Named in honour of Sgt. Andrew Harnett of the Calgary Police Service (CPS), PSD Harnett’s role carries a special significance. Sgt. Harnett was killed on New Year’s Eve in 2020 after being struck by a vehicle that fled a traffic stop.
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During the visit, PSD Harnett was photographed at Sgt. Andrew Harnett’s memorial in Calgary’s District 5, where the late officer served until his tragic passing in 2020. The dog’s participation in the trials is a fitting tribute to the late Sergeant and his commitment to public service.
PSD Harnett isn’t the only Transit Police dog honouring a fallen officer. Alongside Harnett, a Black Labrador Retriever named Chopper also graduated in June 2022. Chopper, now an 18-month-old, is named in honour of Constable Ryan 'Chopper' Masales of the Abbotsford Police Department, who passed away in March 2020 after battling an aggressive brain tumour.
Both Harnett and Chopper are now part of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police canine team, tasked with ensuring the transit system's safety while bringing awareness to the legacies of Sgt. Harnett and Cst. Masales.
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