Canine Unit
The South Simcoe Police Canine (K9) Unit was formed in 1998 and consisted of one Police Service Dog (PSD). A number of dogs have since filled the role including our current PSD Nitro.
Nitro was born in Slovakia, where he was bred to be a police dog. The sable coloured German Shepherd and his partner Constable Shawn Gwilliam completed a 4-month training program through our policing partners at York Regional Police. Nitro is trained in tracking, building and area searches, article searches, criminal apprehension, obedience, agility, handler protection and narcotics detection.
The German Shepherd breed is chosen for its physical ability, strength and intelligence. A strong temperament is very important as these dogs are expected to perform in stressful situations.
Our handlers are on call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. We are very grateful for the long-standing support of our community partners Liz and Bob Pegg, owners of Pet Valu in Bradford and Dr. Derek Boughner from the Dissette Animal Hospital.
History of SSPS Canine Unit:
1998: PSD Sampson and PC Brett Jacques
2006: PSD Garan and PC Joe Ferrari
2006: PSD Ronin and PC Matt Tomlin
2013: PSD Chase and PC Brett Jacques
2018: PSD Nitro and PC Shawn Gwilliam
