Article content
Retired Windsor Police Service dog Hasko has died.
Article content
Police said Friday night the respected K9 who was retired from service earlier this year, “passed away peacefully” Nov 22.
“A trailblazer in his field, he proudly served our community for over nine years as the region’s first explosive detection canine, assisting in countless cases,” the police said in a release.
Article content
“Hasko will always be remembered for his unwavering bravery, remarkable contributions, and dedication to keeping our community safe. His courage in the face of danger and his lasting impact on our service will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his handler, Constable Ken Meloche, during this difficult time.”
During a ceremony in September welcoming new dogs to the force, K9 unit head trainer Lance Montigny recalled Hasko’s contributions.
“He truly became one of the most excellent, most fearless canines that we’ve ever had,” Montigny said. Hasko was the region’s first explosives-trained dog, with “dozens of sweeps under his belt,” including one request from Southampton.
Montigny recalled one of Hasko’s most perilous officer assists when he and Meloche were called to a robbery at a Tim Hortons location, along with another officer.
“Firearms were pulled out on the suspect, Meloche pulled out his police dog Hasko,” Montigny said. “Many commands were given to the suspect, (who) would not drop the knife.
“In lieu of taking this suspect’s life, Officer Meloche took just a brief moment when the suspect turned around backwards and he let his partner do what he was trained to do — subduing the suspect to the ground, taking a small stab wound to the side of (the dog’s) head.
Meloche has since taken on a new K9 partner called Ghost.
Share this article in your social network
