On November 16 the RCMP celebrated the retirement of Tank, a seven year veteran of the RCMP Police dog Services. Tank was born in August 2008 at the Innisfail Training Centre in Alberta and completed his training in July 2010. This is an exciting time for him. It means time to relax and enjoy being home with his family.
Tank was trained to track and search for people, as well as search for drugs, firearms and other evidence in police investigations. Over his service he has also made countless visits to local schools, senior's homes and community groups such as scouts and brownies. All RCMP Police Service Dogs in the province have a motto that helps them connect to the communities they serve.
Tanks special message to everyone was "Get high on life, not on drugs."
"Over his years of service to the RCMP, Tank has found missing berry pickers, criminals and even accident victims that had wandered into the woods," says his handler, Sgt. Bill Frisby, who is the lead of the RCMP Police Dog Service Unit in Newfoundland and Labrador. "Tank was a dedicated team player. As soon as we arrived to any scene, he was ready to give 100%."
Like all dedicated employees, Tank enjoyed his off time as well. During his service he lived with Sgt. Frisby, and at the end of the work day he went home to a loving family.
In addition to his human family, Tank also has some furry family members like the other family dog, cats and even a bunny. They all live together in perfect adopted harmony. While working with the RCMP Tank also enjoyed well-deserved vacations every year when he visited a special kennel for some pampering and down time from the job.
Taking your work home with you takes on a whole new meaning when you are a Police Dog Handler with the RCMP. Especially when your work involves partnering with a purebred German Sheppard. All police dog handlers trained by the RCMP are encouraged to become active members in their communities and to become positive role models. It is a key role within the RCMP and in many investigations, one that Sgt. Frisby has embraced since 2004. Tank is Sgt. Frisby's second dog. His first service dog was a dedicated German Sheppard named Muzak. It truly is a partnership built on trust and commitment.
The most rewarding and also the most difficult part of the job is the attachment that develops between the handler and the dog" says Sgt. Frisby, "If your dog gets injured, sick or passes away it can take an emotional toll."
RCMP Police Service dogs usually retire at the age of seven. Where they go to spend their retirement years is a decision made by the handler. Some dogs are placed into waiting homes that have been on a list to adopt a police dog. Currently, the Police Dog Training Centre is not accepting any new applications to get a dog as the waiting list is exceptionally long.
Retirement for Tank will see him remain with Sgt. Frisby's family, spending his leisure time hanging out with his furry brothers and sisters and wearing a regular collar that has no demands.
Congratulations on your retirement Tank and thank you for your service to your community and to the Force.