Cst. Braylon Hyggen, Bridge, and Kassie Hotton at the naming ceremony for Bridge, July 27, 2022. (Photo: Lethbridge Police Service)

By David Opinko

Meet “Bridge”, the new K9 puppy-in-training at Lethbridge Police

Jul 27, 2022 | 2:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has announced the name of its newest four-legged recruit.

More than 700 suggestions were entered in a puppy-naming contest for the four-month-old Belgian Malinois with the winning entry being “Bridge.”

It was submitted by Kassie Hotton, 13, who was invited to a special ceremony at the LPS station on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.

The name was selected by both the K9 Unit and the LPS Executive as it is not only a tribute to Lethbridge’s most iconic landmark but a symbol of strength and connection to the community.

Cst. Braylon Hyggen is in charge of training Bridge and was pleased with the name that was chosen.

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“We were overwhelmed by the response we received and we want to thank everyone who submitted a suggestion. There were some great names and it was a tough choice.”

This is the first time in decades that a police pup protege is being trained entirely in-house at LPS. In the past, the K9 Unit has used dogs that are about 15 months to two years old and have already been named and tested.

The months ahead will see Bridge learn skills in obedience, agility, tracking, and evidence searching. He will be tested to ensure his temperament is suited for police work.

If all goes well, Bridge should be ready to hit the streets of Lethbridge alongside a handler in 2024.