Service Dogs Killed in the Line of Duty

Eight Vancouver Police Service Dogs (PSDs) have given their lives protecting the citizens of Vancouver since the Canine Unit was first formed in 1957. Each lived with his handler and was considered a member of their family.

All are deeply missed.

In 1992, the Rotary Club of Vancouver South presented a memorial plaque to Chief Bill Marshall of the Vancouver Police Department on the 25th anniversary of the death of Police Dog Valiant, the first VPD dog killed in the line of duty. The plaque names Valiant and the other police dogs that were killed while on duty since the Canine Unit was first formed in 1957.

A National Police Service Dog Monument was erected June 20, 2007, at the RCMP Canine Training Facility in Innisfail, Alberta.

It is with great honour and pride that the following Vancouver Police Dogs will always be remembered:

Guardians of the Night

Trust in me my friend for I am your comrade. I will protect you with my last breath. When all others have left you and the loneliness of the night closes in, I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all obstacles, and search out those who might wish harm to others. All I ask of you is compassion, the caring touch of your hands. It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life, and spend my nights unrested. Although our days together may be marked by the passing of the seasons, know that each day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by the coming and going of your footsteps. I anticipate them at every opening of the door. You are the voice of caring when I am ill. The voice of authority when I’ve done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly for I am your right arm, the sword at your side. I attempt to do only what you bid of me. I seek only to please you and remain in your favour.

Together you and I shall experience a bond only others like us will understand. When outsiders see us together their envy will be measured by their disdain.

I will quietly listen to you and pass no judgement, nor will your spoken words be repeated. I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, and ever loyal. And when our time together is done and you move on in the world, remember me with kind thoughts and tales, for a time we were unbeatable. Nothing passed among us undetected.

If we should meet again on another street I will gladly take up your fight. I am a Police Working Dog and together we are Guardians Of The Night.

Author Unknown