In 2024, the Sarnia Police Service Board approved the creation of the Service’s first Dog Team in over 25 years.
Following the successful completion of training in August 2024, Police Service Dog (PSD) Vader and Constable Urban have demonstrated exceptional value across a wide range of operational deployments:
– 46 deployments in 2024
– 48 deployments to date in 2025
The team has supported building and open-area searches, narcotics detection, evidence recovery, suspect apprehension, and community engagement demonstrations.
PSD Vader has proven especially valuable as a de-escalation tool in tense or high-risk situations.
During a special Sarnia Police Service Board meeting on April 25, 2025, the Board approved the purchase of a second PSD and the creation of a second Canine Team.
The new dog will be selected in early August 2025 and begin training with its handler and the Windsor Police Service, with deployment expected in late December 2025 or early January 2026.
With the anticipated selection of the Service’s next PSD, the Sarnia Police Service is launching a contest to name the K9, starting today.
Contest Rules:
• Contest is open to children ages 4-14 residing in the City of Sarnia or Aamjiwnaang First Nation or attending a school within our service area (Sarnia and Aamjiwnaang)
• Submissions must be emailed to NameTheK9@police.sarnia.on.ca
• Submissions must include:
– the dog name recommendation
– the child’s name, age, and school
– the name of the child’s parent/caregiver and their phone number
• Names must be 1-2 syllables
Contest closes on July 25, 2025, at 5 p.m.. The winning name will be announced upon deployment of the PSD.
