Garner the police dog on his last shift with his handler, Constable Chris Cottrill. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

'beyond fearless'

Legendary police dog hangs up the harness

Jan 13, 2022 | 6:00 PM

If it were up to him, Garner would likely still want to keep working.

However, it’s not, so the legendary member of the RCMP’s Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS), has hung-up his harness for the last time after nearly six years on the job.

Garner has worked over that time with his handler, Constable Chris Cottrill, a Delta police officer.

“Known for his thunderous bark, (and handsome face) Garner’s drive and desire to work was unmatched. Out of the countless calls for service they attended together, their partnership resulted in 246 successful apprehensions,” stated a news release from BC RCMP media relations.

Included in those captures was the tracking and locating of three homicide suspects in two separate events that were happening in real time.

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Garner’s largest single bust was $2 million worth of narcotics being smuggled across the border into Canada.

“It was a bust that Garner was especially proud of as you can see by the photo of him (below) smiling and posing with the stash of illegal contraband,” the release added.

Garner poses with narcotics he helped confiscate (Submitted photo/RCMP)

In addition to serving the Lower Mainland, Garner and Cst. Cottrill also had the opportunity to work with the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT). The pair attended several high-risk calls in the cities they worked and in special call-outs throughout the province.

The RCMP describe Garner as “beyond fearless in protecting his handler and anyone else in danger,” adding he courageously saved his handler’s life on several occasions.

“Whether he was whining out of excitement or spinning to get out of the truck to chase the bad guys, Garner’s energy and presence will be greatly missed by his colleagues on the IPDS team. His retirement will no doubt be filled with a lot of well-deserved rest and his favourite pastimes of two-ball (playing fetch with two balls: by the time he brings the ball to his handler’s feet, another ball is already airborne) and swimming.”

Garner is looking forward to a happy and healthy retirement with his handler’s family. His handler will begin training with a new dog in the near future.