Canine unit boasts country’s top dog

Const. Murray Burke and Maverick beat 35 police dogs from 15 agencies

Edmonton police have the top dog in the country.

Const. Murray Burke and his police service dog, Maverick, won the Canadian Police Canine Association Trials earlier this month. Burke and Maverick have been with the Edmonton Police Service’s canine unit for five years.

Maverick placed first overall, first for obedience, first for criminal apprehension and fourth for detection.

One of the canine unit’s newest teams — Const. Kelly Lang and her dog Fozzy — placed fourth in criminal apprehension, even though they’ve only been on the job for five months.

Overall, 35 police service dogs and their handlers from 15 police agencies across the country competed in the three-day event in Medicine Hat.

The first two days of the competition focused on tracking evidence, searching buildings and areas, as well as drug and explosive detec- tion. The final day concentrated on obedience, agility and criminal apprehension.

“The competition at the CPCA Trials is tough. It demands comprehensive teamwork between the handler and the canine partner. The testing is strict and you’re going up against the best in the country,” said acting Supt. Gary Godziuk in a news release.

“To bring home multiple awards, including first overall, is an impressive accomplishment.”

THE CANADIAN PRESS/FILES Maverick, who won top police dog honours at a national event this month, is seen with his handler, Const. Murray Burke.