RCMP PSD MEMORIAL DEDICATION

The Princess Royal Walk officially launched the 2025 season on May 21st with a large audience in attendance to unveil a monument and brick mural in honour of RCMP Police Service Dogs killed in the line of duty, since1935.

RCMP veteran and former PSD Handler, Dave Mitchell, a member of the Board of Directors for the RCMPVA Foundation, set the stage for a solemn & meaningful ceremony. He emphasized the core mandate of the Foundation:

“To honour and recognize RCMP members, past and present, and that includes our Police Service Dogs. As we unveil this memorial, we don’t just pay tribute to their sacrifice—we also reaffirm our respect and gratitude for all who serve, both human and canine. This monument will stand as a lasting symbol of their loyalty, their courage, and the unbreakable bond they shared with their handlers and the communities they served”. “Each of the honoured dogs served with extraordinary courage. They tracked suspects, protected their handlers, and placed themselves in harm’s way without hesitation. Their service was not just heroic—it was selfless. They asked for nothing more than to serve alongside their human partners, besides a scratch of the ears and whatever treat the children of their handlers would try to sneak to them on occasion.”

Three experienced officers, effectively amplified Dave’s message: The Honourable Russ Mirasty, former Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and dog handler whose legacy continues to inspire. Deputy Commissioner Jodie Boudreau, whose leadership upholds and strengthens the core values of our national police service, and, the Commanding Officer of “F” Division, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, champion of operational excellence and public safety in Saskatchewan.
The CEO of the Heritage Centre, Sam Karakis, joined Dave in the unveiling and graciously welcomed the memorial to the Princess Royal Walk. Two RCMP Service Dogs stood as honour guards with their handlers, as the roll was called for the fallen PSDs, to the sounds of a lone piper playing in the background.