Windsor police welcome new paws to the squad

Two new dogs to with the Windsor police K9 Unit are ready to put their best paws forward.

Ghost and Link were promoted after completing all requirements of a 15-week intensive training course.

“And after they arrive, officer (Lance) Montigny and his team work diligently to get them fit for duty,” said Chief Jason Bellaire. “These duties include tasks beyond human capabilities and beyond the chasing of a tennis ball like my dog does.”

Police said the program gave the dogs essential skills to apprehend suspects, search for missing people, detect illegal narcotics and explosives and help keep their handlers and the public safe in high-risk situations.

“We are excited to welcome Ghost and Link to our K9 Unit,” said Insp. Robert Wilson. “These dogs and their handlers demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication throughout their training and we look forward to seeing their positive impact on our community.”

Ghost is a 17-month-old German Shepherd from Holland. He is partnered with Const. Ken Meloche.

Const. Ken Meloche with Ghost in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

Link is a 19-month-old Belgian Malinois from Hungary. His partner is Const. Garret Crichton.Const. Garret Crichton (left) and Link in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor)

“Really, we're practicing all over the community, but the 15 weeks are just the bare bones that I need to get done to make these dogs competent for the road. I still need another two years to make these dogs experts,” said Montigny.

Montigny said they are a vital addition to the police service.

“To date we don't have an instrument that does what a dog does. It smells 10,000 times better than a human,” he said.

Ghost has replaced veteran police dog Hasko, who has retired after eight years of service. He is an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois and is living with Meloche for his well-deserved retirement.

“This was the region’s first explosives train dog with dozens of sweeps underneath his belt,” said Montigny.