New police dog team graduates with a bang and a round of applause

Three new police dog teams graduated today and are ready to patrol and protect communities in the Bay of Plenty, Canterbury and Southland.

They are Constable Tyson Ripier from Rotorua and Preston, 3, the patrol dog. Constable Tim Yaxley and Lux ​​(20 months) from Christchurch and Constable Damian Parsons and Ged (2) from Invercargill.

As they marched through the graduation parade at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Center in Trentham, the wailing of dogs and applause from family, friends and colleagues, including Security and International Assistant Commissioner Mike Rusbach, announced the new team. Admitted.

The ceremony marked the completion of months of training in his home city, mixed with a block course at a dog training center.

The three handlers have frontline police backgrounds, but starting next week they and their dogs will log on for the first time as “Delta,” or canine section units.

Inspector Todd Southall, the National Coordinator for Police Dogs, praised the handler for the achievement.

“It’s a proud day for you and those who have supported you,” he said. “A lot of people don’t understand the commitment, the work, the frustrations, the ups and downs, the rewards of being on an operations team.

“The drive, dedication and competence of our new board members are truly encouraging for the future of the canine sector.”

Constable Tyson Ripier says he and Preston can’t wait to get to work. It’s like learning a new profession with the challenges that come with it.

“The help and support from my colleagues has been huge.”

Constable Tim Yaxley spent three years policing in Invercargill before moving to Christchurch earlier this year to pursue his dog section dreams. “It’s great that she got her credentials at Lux. She has a great personality, is focused and very keen to please.”

“There have been ups and downs to get to this point, but I am grateful for the opportunity and support from my colleagues in the dog department in Invercargill and Christchurch.”

Constable Damian Parsons served five years as a police officer in Manukau County before moving to Invercargill four years ago. He and Ged have been training together all year and are looking forward to their new roles.

“I was really lucky with Ged as my first operational dog. I look forward to what awaits.”

end

Published by Police Media Center

Photo caption: The new police dog team is (from left) Constable Tyson Ripier and Preston (Rotorua). Tim Yaxley and Lux ​​(Christchurch), Damian Parsons and Ged (Invercargill).