Officer retiring from Ottawa police after years of comforting victims
Posted Oct 2, 2025 01:41:07 PM.
Last Updated Oct 2, 2025 01:43:00 PM.
After eight years on the job, one of Ottawa police’s canine officers is hanging up his vest.
The force honoured West, a yellow Labrador-golden retriever, who has been on the job with the police since 2018. In his time, he has comforted victims, supported witnesses and brightened everyone’s days.
In order to send West off to retirement, Ottawa police participated in the National Service Dogs’ cross-Canada challenge, raising $8,100. The funds will go to training life-changing service dogs for children with autism, veterans and people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Thank you, West, for your incredible service and lasting impact,” a post on social media reads from Ottawa police.
The force has 13 working dogs in service, each tested rigorously before being accepted into the program. Some of the canines are trained to find missing people, drugs, firearms and explosively. The most recent recruit into the program is K9 Nelson, a two-year-old Black Lab, dedicated to the Victim Services Unit.
“Nelson will sit with victims during risk assessments—offering quiet support and a soft paw when it’s needed most,” officials said.
The specialized group, the majority of which are Labrador retrievers, help police across the nation’s capital.
