Patrol Division

Canine Section

The Canine Section of Miramichi Police Force consists of two expert dog handlers and two canine German Shepherds who were obtained and trained through the Ontario Provincial Police.

The German Shepherd breed is the preferred canine for this type of work.  They are strong, robust, courageous, and able to work under extreme hot or cold conditions.  Their versatility enables the Canine teams to fulfill a variety of needs such as tracking or searching for people, locating illegal substances, and detecting explosives.  These working capabilities associated with their hardiness, loyalty, and psychological effort provide the qualities desired for a Police Canine.

Canine Chico		Canine Koala

Chico, a male German Shepherd, was born in 2005 and he was acquired from the Ontario Provincial Police in 2006.    Cst. Andy McFarlane is partnered with Chico and they have completed their K-9 training with the Ontario Provincial Police.  Chico weighs approximately 80 pounds and is jet black in colour.    Cst. McFarlane and Chico perform general K-9 duties which include tracking, suspect apprehension and drug searches.

Canine Koala

Canine Koala

Koala, a female German Shepherd, was born in February 1997. She was obtained from a breeder in Brantford, Ontario.

Miramichi Police Force obtained and trained Koala through the Ontario Provincial Police. She and her partner were put into service in late summer of 2000.

	Canine Koala and her Trainer,  Cpl. Lori McEachern

Koala is a black, shorthaired Shepherd. She weighs approximately 67 pounds.

Koala is trained as a general purpose service dog and as an Explosives/Firearms detector dog.