Saskatoon police dog killed in tragic accident

Yuzdepski said Matrix’s handler is going through a difficult time and is off work because of the loss. As a former canine unit member, Yuzdepski said he understands that special relationship.

“I had to put down my first dog and it was one of the more difficult days I’ve had on the police service because of the bond between handler and dog,” Yuzdepski said.

Matrix had been on active duty since August 2014 and was one of nine dogs for the Saskatoon Police Service. He had SWAT training and was one of only two dogs with bomb detection training.

“He was very proficient at that profile and very proficient at his other activities as well,” Yuzdepski said. “He was a happy-go-lucky dog. It sounds odd for a police dog, but a lot of them become members of the family.”

Yuzdepski said other members of the canine unit will be adjusting holidays to cover shifts Matrix was supposed to work. Saskatoon police already have two other dogs in training preparing for the retirement of other police dogs.

Yuzdepski said Matrix’s death is no one’s fault and is considered to be a death in the line of duty.

The last time a Saskatoon police dog was killed in the line of duty was on May 20, 2001 when Cyr, a five-year-old German Shepherd was shot by a suspect. Cyr was shot twice, but managed to grab onto the suspect before being shot a third time. Cyr died at the scene, in the arms of his handler, Cst. Steve Kaye. A memorial service honouring Cyr’s life was held where more than 300 people attended including police dog handlers from across the country.

Yuzdepski said officers would talk with Matrix’s handler and other members of the canine unit to see how best to honour Matrix.

-With files from the Canadian Police Canine Association

news@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@Trelle_K

by Trelle Kolojay

Saskatoon police dog killed in tragic accident

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