Innisfail, Alta., June 20, 2007 – This morning, the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre (PDSTC) officially opened its new administrative building. Deputy Commissioner William (Bill) Sweeney, RCMP North West Region and Commanding Officer, "K" Division; Deputy Commissioner Paul Gauvin, RCMP Corporate Management and Comptrollership, RCMP Headquarters, as well as representatives from all levels of government from municipal to federal, were on hand for the celebration.
"This $2 million project is a welcome addition to a facility that already benefits from an international reputation in the field of dog training and dog breeding," stated Deputy Commissioner Sweeney, speaking on behalf of Commissioner Bev Busson. "Every year, countless dog handling professionals and trainers come from around the world to learn from, and to exchange knowledge with, the dedicated men and women of the of the Centre. Seventy-two years have passed since the creation of the RCMP Police Dog Service and this Centre is a monument to the success of the program on both financial and human levels."
Despite his absence due to the House of Commons still being in session, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day offered his best wishes and re-iterated Canada’s New Government support for the RCMP and the government’s commitment to helping ensure safe homes and safe communities for all Canadians. "The new Sergeant John Cawsey Building, named after the RCMP’s first dog trainer, will further help the RCMP excel in the field of police dog training," stated Day.
In the afternoon, dignitaries were joined by members of police agencies from Canada and the United States who have lost a canine partner, as well as hundred of well-wishers who traveled to Innisfail for the unveiling of the Canadian Police Service Dog National Monument on the grounds of the PDSTC.
According to the president of the Canadian Police Service Dog National Monument Society, Inc., Constable Doug Marianchuk, the life-size bronze German shepherd statue by renowned sculptor Diane M. Anderson is a fitting tribute to the 32 police service dogs killed in the line of duty since 1965.
"These 32 dogs have paid the ultimate price in Canada while protecting their handlers and the citizens they served," explained Marianchuk. "This monument is a permanent legacy to those brave animals and, sadly, to future police dogs that may be taken from us at any time."
While guests were in attendance, PDSTC’s officer-in-charge, Inspector Lawrence Aimoe used the opportunity to award a prize to David Ly, an 11-year-old student from Innisfail and one the 10 winners of this year’s RCMP "Name the Puppy" contest. Prior to the public demonstration, Aimoe also underlined the contribution of the County of Red Deer for its continuous support and generous donation of a new grandstand cover for the public demonstration area.
Guests remained on site for the weekly RCMP Police Service Dog agility demonstration.
Police service dogs are trained in several profiles including tracking, searching and criminal apprehension. Special detection work includes searching for either explosives or narcotics.
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For more information, please contact:
Marie R. Patterson
Communications and Events Management Services
RCMP Depot Division
306-780-5707
306-537-1307 (cellular)
