Help police choose a name for their new service dog

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is looking to name its new service dog — and they want help from local elementary students.

Students between junior kindergarten and Grade 8 are invited to submit name ideas for the Canine Unit’s new Belgian Malinois pup.

The new canine and his handler are currently training at the Ontario Provincial Police Academy Canine Training Centre in Orillia, Ont.

Although police service dogs remain unnamed during their training, he will need a name worthy of a Sault Police canine upon his arrival in town.

Submitting name suggestions can be done by downloading and printing the contest’s colouring page here and sending a photo or scan by email by Dec. 1, 2023.

Anyone unable to print a copy can email their name suggestion, along with their own name, grade, and elementary school.  

Students who submit a name suggestion will also be entered into a random draw to win a class visit from a police cruiser and the canine in the new year.

Past and current names of Sault Police canines include Eagle, Taser, Justice, Hektor, and Red. These names will not be chosen again.