Over 60 police dog teams gather in Woodstock for fallen dog's memorial
Police officers and their canine partners from across the province marched in Woodstock Tuesday as a police dog who died in the line of duty last month was laid to rest.
Born in 2019, Taz joined the Woodstock Police Service in 2021. He’s being remembered as a high-energy and extremely capable police dog who loved a jump in the pond when not working.
“He was a good community dog. He was an effective tracking dog. On all disciplines, he was amazing – never a problem, never an issue,” said London Police Service Sgt. Travis Wintjes, who helped train Taz.
A procession of police dogs and officers march to a memorial service for Woodstock police dog Taz on Aug. 1, 2023. Taz died on July 3 after consuming drugs that had been thrown out of the window of a fleeing car. (Facebook/Woodstock Police Service)
Wintjes said the police K9 community is close and it’s difficult to see one of their own go down.
“Every dog handler has a little bit of, you know, they've been through the connection with their dog. So it's a lot, the way that that we've lost Taz in the line of duty.”
Woodstock police say Taz and another dog, Striker, were deployed as part of a drug investigation in Stratford on July 3 when both appeared to ingest crystal methamphetamine. Narcan was administered and both dogs were rushed to a veterinary clinic. Striker survived, but Taz did not.
Starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, a procession involving more than 60 police dogs and their handlers, pipers, horses and other police personnel marched down Finkle Street to the Reeves Community Complex where a private service was held.
A private memorial service for police dog Taz is held at Reeves Community Complex in Woodstock on Aug. 1, 2023. (Jeff Pickel/CTV Kitchener)
While the service was closed to the public, dozens of community members lined the streets to honour Taz.
“Our son is a police officer, so it’s near and dear to our hearts to make sure that we support our police officers in every aspect that they do – whether it be a dog or anything – because they are there to help protect us and sometimes we need to give thanks for what they do,” one person who watched the procession with their dog told CTV News.
Woodstock police say they were honoured to see so many officers, dogs and community members remember Taz.
“To see all of the people who came out to line in the street to watch the procession to pay their respects to Taz was something really special for the police service,” said Shaylyn Jackson, a community service officer with Woodstock police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.