Barrie police have announced the sudden death of an active police dog with the service and who has been commended for his "remarkable courage," loyalty and commitment to the local community.
Police service dog Thunder died Sept. 26 due to a medical-related issue.
"He was one of us and we will miss him," Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday, adding Thunder's death was sudden and unexpected.
"It's difficult to lose a dog in retirement, but to lose an active dog, that's significant," Leon added. "He was working right up until the end."
Thunder worked with the Barrie Police Service for eight years. His handlers during that time included Const. Cam Cooper, who's now retired, and Const. John Lamont.
"Thank you, Thunder, for your service and for the unwavering partnership that you shared with your handlers," Barrie police wrote in a post on social media. "Together, you made a difference."
It is with sadness, that the #BarriePolice shares the news of the recent passing of a dedicated member of our @BarriePoliceK9 Unit. Thunder served our community for 8 years & demonstrated remarkable courage, loyalty & was committed with his handlers to keeping our community safe. pic.twitter.com/wqHKzubGaQ
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) October 20, 2023
Thunder was trained as a general service dog, and searched for missing people and wanted suspects. He was also trained in narcotic and firearms detection.
Police dogs are treated like a member of the service and their deaths reverberate through the department, Leon said.
"These are more than just partners," he said. "They are worth their weight in gold, because they do so much. They're a big part of our service and really are the unsung heroes of policing."
Police dogs can specialize in everything from drug and firearm detection to ground searches for missing people.
"The training aspect alone is just phenomenal," Leon said. "They are very motivated and driven."
