Metrolinx's (adorable) K9 unit begins patrol at Union Station today

Oct 24 2019, 1:56 pm

Metrolinx is welcoming a new breed of officers to its safety team, complete with four legs and wagging tails.

Starting October 24, a K9 unit will be joining its safety team, a move that will allow Metrolinx to have officers on-call 24 hours a day to investigate suspicious objects found at stations, potentially saving GO Transit customers hours in delays, according to the transit authority.

According to Metrolinx, earlier this year, three canines were carefully selected to join the team based on a combination of genetic and behavioural qualities, including having a “keen nose” and being in “good health.”

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Additionally, the dog’s ability to respond to commands, its “hunt drive,” how well it copes in large public spaces, and how it reacts to noisy transit vehicles were important factors.

Following a rigorous selection process, Metrolinx says each dog and its handler receive special training from the Toronto Police’s Police Dog Services team.

During training, the dogs learn the distinct odours associated with dangerous materials, a skill referred to as ‘imprinting.’

One of the special pups selected is Dash.

Photo by: Anne Marie Aikins/Metrolinx

Metrolinx said Toronto Police tested Dash prior to assigning him with Transit Safety Officer Brenton Hoffman in June. Since then, Hoffman and Dash completed a four-month training program.

According to Metrolinx’s Anne Marie Aikins, said Dash started his first official shift bright and early at 7:30 am on Thursday in the York Concourse.

With files from Ainsley Smith

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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