The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has announced the name of their new Police Service Dog (PSD).
After the retirement of PSD Arrow earlier this week, the HRPS announced that they had acquired a new dog to join the force. They even teased what the name could be several times on social media.
On Friday morning, the HRPS announced that their new 16-month-old PSD was named ‘Blue’. He is a German Shepherd/ Belgian Malinois mix, and was born in Budapest, Hungary. His handler is Constable Matt Volaric.
The naming rights for the dog were given to the family of Mike Tidball.
On January 6th, 2021, Detective Constable Tidball passed away suddenly. Mike’s children, under the guidance of Constable Kyle Gibson, a close family friend, selected the name.
Detective Constable Tidball was an active and long-time member of Emergency Services as a Crisis Negotiator. He was present for many high priority incidents and was an integral part of numerous peaceful resolutions to these incidents.
The HRPS say that Mike was well respected by all members of the Emergency Services Unit and he always showed a special interest and respect for the Police Service Dogs. His sudden and untimely passing left a noticeable void within Emergency Services.
On our Facebook page, we asked listeners what they’d like to name the new PSD if given the chance. Several responded (correctly) with Blue, another said Big Red. Moving away from colours, we also got Trooper and Tiny, as well as Chase and Milton.
Meet Blue
! a 16-month-old German Shepherd/ Belgian Malinois mix, born in Budapest Hungary.
Blue is a general patrol dog trained in tracking and to detect controlled drugs and substances, firearms and ammunition.
His handler is CST. Matt Volaric
Welcome to the HRPS team! pic.twitter.com/JpruPDDyZj
— Halton Police (@HaltonPolice) December 2, 2022
