LPS K9s Robby (left) and Myke (right) have entered retirement. (Photo: Lethbridge Police Service)

By David Opinko

Two LPS K9s enter retirement, new dog joins force

Sep 11, 2024 | 9:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It was a day of heartfelt goodbyes and new beginnings.

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) says two members of its K9 Unit have entered retirement while one dog has finished his training and will now enter a life of service.

Police Service Dogs Robby and Myke, aged 11 and 10 respectively, have been with LPS since 2016 and have spent the last eight years on the job.

They will remain with their handlers, but now, as pampered pets.

The K9 Unit also introduced its newest recruit, Macho, during a ceremony on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 23, 2024

Aug 23, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 16, 2024

Aug 16, 2024

Macho is an almost-three-year-old Belgian Malinois, who has spent the last 20 weeks training alongside his handler, Cst. Braylon Hyggen.

His training included tracking, obedience, agility, building searches, compound/area searches, evidence searches and criminal apprehension. He will also continue to work on skills such as drug detection.

Macho, the newest recruit for the LPS K9 Unit, has graduated from his training and is ready to start working. (Photo: Lethbridge Police Service)

The celebrations coincide with the 60th anniversary of the LPS K9 Unit, which was established in 1964. The first dog employed by the service was Thors Yorker, who worked until retirement in 1972.

Since the inception of the program, the LPS K9 Unit has been home to 32 canines.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.