After dedicating over nine years of service to the RCMP, Police Service Dog Luke is retiring this month. Luke is a highly trained RCMP Narcotic Detection Dog and over his career has sniffed out over $5 million in drugs and cash. Luke was recruited from St. John's Humane Services by Sergeant Don Bill, who saw great potential for a career for Luke as a Police Service Dog, even though he was over two years old when rescued as a stray from the streets of St. John's. Most dogs who work with the RCMP begin training as puppies. Luke was enrolled in the eleven-week Narcotic Detection Dog Training program, and finished successfully in just three weeks! Luke's current human partner is Corporal Mike Pilgrim. Together, they have served the province well.
To mark the occasion of Luke's retirement, a "pawty" will be held on Friday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m., at RCMP Headquarters, 100 East White Hills Road, St. John's. Attendees joining the celebration include Assistant Commissioner Peter Clark, Commanding Officer of RCMP NL, St. John's Councillor Jamie Korab, Corporal Pilgrim and other friends from the RCMP and Humane Services. Members of the media are invited to attend.
In his retirement, Luke looks forward to long walks, playing fetch and enjoying his favorite snack Begging Strips.