By meadowlakeNOW

Area welcomes police dog unit

Aug 1, 2017 | 12:28 PM

There is a new pair of law enforcers in town – Cpl. Doug Cushon and his police dog Ralph.

Cushon moved to the community in early July, and while his base is Meadow Lake, he will serve a number of communities in the northwest corner of the province including Big River, La Loche, Pierceland, Loon Lake and areas in between. He has been a dog handler for the last three years and said he is looking forward to the role in the region.

Cushon said he enjoys the unique role in the world of policing.  

“It’s something new every day,” Cushon said.

Working with a police dog takes a great deal of practice and exercise, and Cushon said both he and Ralph refine their skills frequently.

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“We train regularly,” he said. “The dog is trained in tracking people and also searching for evidence, missing persons. He can search for evidence or narcotics, and he’s also trained in the criminal apprehension profile as well.”

It has only been a few short weeks since Cushon arrived.

“It’s been great so far,” he said. “The people I’ve met been here have been very helpful in getting me settled and familiar with the area.”

Sgt. Ryan How of the Meadow Lake RCMP said while Cushon is not technically a member of the Meadow Lake detachment, he is informally considered part of the local team.

“Cpl Cushon is a very welcome addition to the area,” How said. “He brings a wealth of experience which certainly helps when Meadow Lake is such a junior detachment. He’s only been here a few weeks, but has fit in seamlessly and he has helped on quite a few calls already.”
 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath