ESTEVAN — The Estevan Police Service (EPS) introduced its newest addition during the April 16 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners.
Hector, an 11-month-old Dutch shepherd, is Estevan's new police service dog and will be partnered with Const. Katelynn Ruthven. Hector will join and eventually replace police service dog Max, who has been part of the EPS team since 2017 alongside Sgt. Paul Chabot.
According to police Chief Jamie Blunden, Max is nearing retirement. Blunden added the EPS doesn't know how long Max will remain; it could be a couple more months or it could be 12-18 months.
Hector still has some training with the Regina K-9 unit. Blunden noted Hector will be trained for general duty, rather than a dual purpose like Max, as that is the direction police service dogs are heading.
Insp. Tyler McMillen added the EPS will be slowing Max down, and Max won't be used for tracking as much, but Max could still be involved in drug detection.
More to come.
