A fallen police officer's best friend has been honoured before the public and media, a moving event that brought back the heartbreaking memory of the grief endured by the surviving partner before millions of Canadians last spring.
Danny, a three-year-old German shepherd, was given a warm send-off by the public on Aug. 27 after briefly displaying his skills at the RCMP Police Dog Services Training Centre (PDSTC), south of Innisfail.
“This is just one final opportunity for the general public to see how Danny is doing before he resumes being a police dog,” said RCMP Const. Jason Curtis, a media liaison officer who was at the event.
Danny's partner Const. Dave Ross, and two other RCMP officers – Const. Fabrice Gevaudan and Const. Douglas Larche -- were killed June 4 in Moncton, N.B. by gunman Justin Bourque, who also wounded two others in the shootout. Bourque has since pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and will be sentenced Oct. 27.
Six days after the tragedy, Danny attended the funeral of the fallen Mounties. The canine was heard whimpering by the side of his partner's casket during the emotional service, a moment that brought countless Canadians from coast to coast to tears. The loyal canine was also photographed sniffing Ross's Stetson.
“We are really appreciative for the outpouring of support and interest from Canadians for Danny and his well-being. It's been passionate and persistent since the events of June 4," said Insp. Andrew Lemyre, officer in charge of the RCMP Police Dog Services. "I want to thank all Canadians for the support and compassion they've shared since the passing of our fallen members, and for Danny and his future."
Last week, following scores of requests from the mainstream media and countless inquiries in social media, Danny was given the chance to show the public at the PDSTC that he still has the right stuff – perseverance and dedication -- to resume service. Since the beginning of August he has been training at the PDSTC with a new partner.
“He is a young service dog and he enjoys being one,” said Curtis, adding it's RCMP policy not to name Danny's new partner or where they will be posted, as the pair need to focus on their special relationship. “They need to train together. They have a bonding period and they come to the training centre and train together to ensure they are able to work together, and have the same skills together.”
Danny was born on Sept. 7, 2011 at the training centre and at eight weeks of age he was sent to Vancouver Island to be raised and imprinted by an RCMP member and aspiring dog handler. After three months, Danny, who had exhibited outstanding potential for service in the RCMP, was teamed up with Ross in Moncton and the pair returned to the PDSTC the following spring to begin their formal training. The pair graduated on Aug. 30, 2013, and then returned to Moncton as part of the Codiac Regional Police Dog Services.
And now Danny has just completed training with his second partner, and he will soon be back on the beat to serve all Canadians with confidence and dedication. It is expected his career will last at least five more years. As with his first partner, he will also form a special bond with his new RCMP handler.
“They have a bonding period and they come to the training centre and train together to ensure they are able to work and have the same skills together,” said Curtis. “So yes, there is definitely a very close bond there. They need to be close.”
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