PSD Banner (WPS / HANDOUT)
Winnipeg police are mourning the loss of one of their canine colleagues.
Police service dog (PSD) Banner passed away Wednesday after being found to have an aggressive form of cancer. He began showing symptoms on Tuesday and was taken to a veterinary hospital.
Banner was credited with more than 200 tracking arrests and was a dual-purpose K9. He took part in hundreds of high-risk operations with members of the Winnipeg police tactical support team.
He also tracked down Brian Thomas, the man convicted of murdering Winnipeg Transit driver Irvine Fraser in 2017.
Police say less than 24 hours prior to his passing, PSD Banner tracked from a stolen vehicle to a residence which led to the arrest of two people.
“It was a great ride that ended way too soon; we wore our hearts on our sleeves and left it all out on the streets,” said Banner’s handler, Cst. Justin Casavant.
“My wife and I would like to thank everyone for all the support we?ve received. We’d also like to acknowledge Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital for the care they provided and thank retired Sgt. Dave Bessason and Cst. Dennis Robert for training and developing myself and Banner.”
Banner was six-years-old.
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Police Service Dog Banner. PSD Banner was a Dual Purpose Canine and has served with the Canine Unit since 2014. You will be missed by all. pic.twitter.com/Lvsnx6TP06
— Winnipeg Police (@wpgpolice) December 5, 2019
