December 2, 2019
Winnipeg Police Service Media Release
For Immediate Release
Statement regarding PSD Banner from his handler
PSD Banner
May 9th, 2013 – Dec 4th, 2019
Police Service Dog (PSD) Banner was a dual-purpose K9 with specialties in tracking and tactical support work. He had more than 200 tracking arrests, including the arrest of Brian Thomas, who was convicted of the murder of Winnipeg Transit driver Irvine Fraser. He also took part in hundreds of high-risk operations with members of the Tactical Support Team.
Less than 24 hours prior to his passing, on what turned out to be his last official shift, PSD Banner tracked from a stolen vehicle to a residence which led to the arrest of 2 individuals.
Banner started showing symptoms of being ill on Tuesday and was taken to a veterinary hospital. On Wednesday morning, it was determined that he had aggressive cancer that was causing him to deteriorate rapidly.
It was a great ride that ended way too soon; we wore our hearts on our sleeves and left it all out on the streets.
My wife and I would like to thank everyone for all the support we’ve received. We’d also like to acknowledge Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital for the care they provided and thank Retired Sgt. Dave Bessason and Cst. Dennis Robert for training and developing myself and Banner.
Cst. Justin Casavant #2380
Constable Jay Murray, Public Information Officer
Constable Dani McKinnon, Public Information Officer
Constable Claude Chancy, Public Information Officer
Kelly Dehn, Manager of Public Affairs
Office: 204-986-3061
E-mail: WPS-PIO@winnipeg.ca
Tweet