A long-serving member of the Barrie Police Service is retiring.
Serge, who is a German Shepherd, has been a partner of Barrie Police Constable Matt Abofs since 2014, according to a news release from Barrie police on Thursday, and was named after the ceremonial uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). His name honoured the memory, service and sacrifice of the three RCMP officers who were murdered in New Brunswick on June 4, 2014.
During their 11 years as a team, Constable Abofs and Serge have attended 775 operational deployments, which included tracking, searches for controlled drugs, evidence and persons.
While searching for people, Serge was responsible for 316 incidents where people were located, and he received a Life Saving Award in 2019 for one of those finds.
Serge has been involved in evidence searches that have located drugs and DNA-related evidence. He has been there for countless building and vehicle searches and has located evidence that helped return property to victims of crime.
“Police service dogs are trusted and valued members of our Service,” said Chief Rich Johnston. “After 11 years of supporting our officers, and helping keep our community safe, Serge will now be able to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.”
Constable Abofs will continue to serve in the Barrie Police Canine Unit with his other canine partner, General Purpose Dog Radar, who is a Belgian Malinois.
Serge will spend his retirement living with Constable Abofs.
