Essex County OPP officers are welcoming a new K9 team.

Const. Milan Matovski and Maximus, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix, are joining the Essex County force.

Matovski is a 10-year veteran with the OPP, who started his career at Burlington OPP detachment and transferring to Essex County in 2013.

He had served as an Emergency Response Team member for six years in both locations prior to becoming the successful K9 handler in Essex County. 

Maximus’ training qualifications include tracking for lost/missing and wanted persons, criminal apprehension and tactical obedience. 

Matovski and Maximus recently completed a 20-week K9 General Service Course and have more training planned for narcotic and firearm/ammunition detection in the near future.

They are replacing Const. Dan Harness and K9 Valor, who have recently transferred to another OPP Detachment.

“As the OPP’s largest detachment in the Province, having the capacity to provide K9 Services in support of our communities is invaluable, and you can expect to see Maximus on patrol with his partner throughout the Essex County policing domain,” says Glen Miller, Essex County OPP detachment commander.