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The latest member of a specialised Metro Vancouver Transit Police unit will carry the identify and legacy of a fallen Calgary police officer.
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Harnett, considered one of two explosive detection canines enlisted throughout a commencement ceremony Thursday, is called for Calgary police Sgt. Andrew Harnett, who was fatally wounded on New Yr’s Eve 2020. Harnett was dragged by a car that fled a visitors cease, struck by oncoming visitors and later succumbed to his accidents.
The 2-year-old German shorthaired pointer and his handler, Lisa Mackay, will patrol trains, buses and sea hyperlinks serving 22 communities within the Decrease Mainland area of British Columbia.
“We are going to always remember the final word sacrifice Andrew made and it brings us consolation realizing he will probably be remembered in Vancouver as effectively,” Calgary police and Harnett’s household mentioned in an announcement.
The second canine, Chopper, is an 18-month-old black Lab retriever named for Abbotsford Police Const. Ryan (Chopper) Masales, who died March 20 after being recognized nearly 4 years earlier with an aggressive Stage 4 mind tumour.
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Sgt. Gord McGuinness, with Metro Vancouver Transit Police, mentioned the canines will assist passengers they encounter be taught extra concerning the two fallen officers.
“That is going to be a possibility for our handlers to inform the tales of those two positive officers and what they’ve achieved for policing and the legacy that they’ve left,” McGuinness mentioned in a video put up.
The 2 canines had been introduced with service medals throughout Thursday’s ceremony, the place McGuinness spoke about Harnett’s work throughout his 12 years with the Calgary power.
“He was enthusiastic about his position in the neighborhood and took part in lots of fundraising actions by way of the Calgary Police Service,” McGuinness mentioned.
“Andrew didn’t want formal recognition for something, however he earned the respect of those that knew him, labored with him, and of his group.”
An out of doors rink within the northeast Calgary group the place Harnett served was devoted in his identify final September. The rink is situated on the Falconridge/Castleridge Neighborhood Affiliation.
Harnett’s household couldn’t attend Thursday’s ceremony, however posted their appreciation on social media.
“What a honour. One other actual digger named #Harnett is again on the watch,” Andrew’s brother Jason Harnett tweeted.
