Durham Regional Police Service K-9 Unit

The Passing of Retired Police Service Dog Axel It is with great sadness that the DRPS K9 Unit announces the passing of retired Police Service Dog (PSD) Axel. PSD Axel passed away at the age of 14 with his family by his side. PSD Axel proudly served the citizens of Durham Region as a Drug and Gun Detection Dog for more than nine years and was handled by Cst. Bryan Armstrong. PSD Axel will be greatly missed by Cst. Armstrong, his family, and the DRPS K9 Unit. Thank you for your service, PSD Axel.

soopolarplunge.crowdchange.ca/128009 I know these are challenging economic times for many, and I truly appreciate that not everyone is in a position to give. For those who can, please consider making a donation. Your support can make a meaningful difference in helping exceptional athletes continue to pursue their goals. Thank you for any contribution you’re able to offer — every bit helps. @DRPS

PC Haigh, PC Dever and PSD Summit got the chance to meet and present to the 172 Clarington Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron on March 10th. What a great time meeting everyone! Thanks for having us!! @drps_official

🚁 DRPS Launches Drone as First Responder Pilot Project The Durham Regional Police Service is proud to introduce our first ever Drone as First Responder (DFR) pilot project—bringing innovative aviation technology directly into front line emergency response. Remotely piloted drones will be able to respond to certain emergency calls in about 60 seconds, giving officers real time situational awareness before they arrive on scene. DRPS is among the first police services in Canada to explore this model. The DFR system: ✔️ Is not used for general surveillance ✔️ Does not use facial recognition ✔️ Launches only for specific emergency or operational incidents ✔️ Operates under Transport Canada authorizations and all privacy legislation The technology will support high risk calls, missing persons investigations, large or evolving incidents, natural disasters, and situations where rapid aerial information improves safety. ________________________________________ 📣 Community Information Night Residents are invited to learn more about the pilot project at our upcoming Drone as First Responder Community Information Night: 📍 Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax 📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026 ⏰ 6:30–8:00 p.m. Join us for: • Live drone demonstrations • Meet the pilot opportunities • Information on how the system works • Details on privacy protections and project oversight A public FAQ page is also being developed to support transparency. 🔗 For more information about the pilot, please visit drps.ca/DFR ________________________________________ DRPS will continue to evaluate the pilot throughout the year, gathering data on response times, safety impacts, operational effectiveness, and community feedback. Together, we're building a safer and more informed community.

Tonight was a proud moment for our team as our PSD Zero and PSD General officially received their badges alongside 40 new recruits from @Chief_Moreira A huge congratulations to their dedicated handlers PC Haigh and PC Tillsley, and to Trainer DC Elkington for their commitment.

PSD Zero and PC HAIGH getting that track training in early this am!! -20C start to the day will really wake you up!🥶PSD Zero doesn’t appear to mind though @DRPS

During a recent incident, a suspect fled from officers in extreme cold, wearing clothing that put him at serious risk of exposure. With freezing temperatures, time was critical. The DRPS Drone Unit was deployed to search terrain that would have been extremely difficult—and dangerous—to cover on foot. The drone quickly located the individual, and the operator guided tactical and k9 officers directly to his location. The suspect was safely taken into custody and brought to an awaiting ambulance for life-saving medical attention. Training, teamwork and technology brought this incident to a safe conclusion.

Police have arrested one male and are searching for a second male who are believed to be responsible for Durham’s ninth homicide. Full story: drps.ca/news/posts/upd…

🎄🐾 From PSD Kobe and the entire DRPS K9 Unit… We wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! 🎅✨ Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. Stay safe, enjoy the holidays, and give your furry friends an extra treat today! 🐶❤️@DRPS

Please welcome our newest handlers and their partners to the K9 Unit. PC Haigh with PSD Zero and PC Tillsley with PSD General. Lots of hard work to get here. Be proud! @DRPS

DRPS is thrilled to welcome a new team to our K9 Unit. We’re proud to announce that Constable Madison Haigh and Police Service Dog (PSD) Zero have successfully completed their basic patrol certification and are officially on-duty. PSD Zero is a 17-month-old Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix who was born in Hungary. Over the past 14 weeks, this dedicated duo has undergone intensive training, certifying in a wide range of essential police disciplines, including tracking, building searches, evidence recovery, and obedience. Zero quickly distinguished himself with his remarkable ability to switch into work mode the moment it’s needed. Known for his calm, steady demeanor off duty, he channels laser-sharp focus when it’s time to perform—making him an outstanding addition to our Service. When he’s not working, Zero’s favourite pastime is playing with his Kong in his handler’s backyard. Constable Haigh chose the name “Zero” to reflect their bond—symbolizing that she is “nothing without him,” and that they operate as a true team. Cst. Haigh and PSD Zero will now begin their duties patrolling communities across Durham Region as proud members of D Platoon. Please join us in welcoming this exceptional new K9 team to the DRPS family!

DRPS is thrilled to welcome the newest team to our K9 Unit. We’re proud to announce that Constable Chris Tillsley and Police Service Dog (PSD) General have successfully completed their basic patrol certification and are officially ready for duty. PSD General is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois who was born in Poland. Over the past 14 weeks, this dedicated duo has completed intensive training, certifying in a wide range of essential police disciplines, including tracking, building searches, evidence recovery, and obedience. General quickly stood out during training for his incredible athleticism—especially his love of jumping—which he channels into his work with precision and enthusiasm. General is known for his sharp focus, high energy, and eagerness to work—traits that make him an outstanding addition to our service. When he’s off duty, you’ll find him happily playing with his favourite toy: his beloved Kong. Cst. Tillsley and PSD General will begin their duties patrolling communities across Durham Region as proud members of A Platoon. Please join us in welcoming this new K9 team to the DRPS family!

After 17 years of dedicated service in the Durham Regional Police Service K9 Unit, Detective Constable Corby Wright is transitioning to a new role in Central West Division, where he will continue serving the residents of Whitby. We also celebrate the well-earned retirement of Police Service Dog Hawk, who served the Durham Region faithfully for 7 years. Throughout his career, DC Wright worked alongside two incredible canine partners: PSD Hemmi, who passed away in June 2023, and PSD Hawk, who retired on October 31, 2025. DC Wright’s passion for the K9 Unit has left a lasting impact on our community. We thank him for his unwavering commitment and wish him all the best in his new role. And to PSD Hawk—enjoy your retirement, you've earned it!

LETS GO BLUE JAYS!!!! PSD Kobe ready to cheer on @BlueJays for Game 2! Wishing everyone a safe night. Don’t drink and drive @DRPS @maddcanada

PSD Brooks is all ready to cheer on the @BlueJays tonight. Go Jays Go!!! #WANTITALL #BlueJays @DRPS

PSD Koa enjoying this late summer weather. #weekendtraining

PSD Kaos showing off his tight spaces training work today while assisting DRPS PSU with searching a property for evidence. He’s quite happy to be on the other side of that long tunnel. #k9leadtheway

Do you ever feel like you’re being watched?? PSD Kobe working the nightshift tonight, watching over Durham Region to keep us safe. Be sure to 👋 if you see him. @DRPS

Sunday’s is for AGILITY 💪💪💪. PSD Koa and PC Galipeau putting in that work on the agility field on this beautiful Sunday. Koa’s working day shift today. Be sure to 👋 if you see him! @Chief_Moreira @DRPS

PSD Koa just finished his first full block on the road!! Time for some much needed days off for this crime fighter #Naptime #pupcup #trailrunning