Police Dog lost in the line of duty
Canine heroes working tirelessly for our community.
We sadly and respectfully bid farewell to Qld police dog ‘Rambo’ who lost his life in the line of duty earlier this month.
PD Rambo who graduated from training at the academy in 2015, was experienced in finding missing people. He died when hit by a car whilst tracking with his handler at around 1am. The beloved dog was on the scent of an alleged male fugitive evading police on the Bruce Highway in Maryborough when the tragedy occurred.
Rambo was rushed to veterinary care but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The details of Rambo’s death are yet to be examined.
Only a small number of dogs with exceptional intelligence and qualities are accepted annually to be trained for police work. They need to possess stamina, endurance and quick reaction time. If the right temperament is also present, they can be evaluated for an intensive training program to follow. Breeds often found training for Police Dog work in Australia are German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Bloodhounds, Labradors, Beagles & Springer Spaniels. Police dogs usually fall under categories of general purpose, firearms & explosive detection, currency & drug detection and tactical dogs. The dogs are worked and rewarded according their unique skills and likes. The Dog Squad is on call 24 hrs a day and dogs go home with their owners at the end of the day. They are usually assigned to just one or two handlers with whom they will become closely attached.
Police dogs and their handlers form a rare and inseparable bond. This closeness allows them to work with impressive synchronicity as they prevent and solve crimes. The dogs are treated as valuable members of the force and as with any officer passing away on duty, Rambo’s death will be the subject of a review.
Our thoughts go out especially to Rambo’s handler.
Leah & Angela OMeara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)