Torch the explosives detection dog, trained and donated by a Central Alberta company, will be off to Ukraine in September to help locate land mines and unexploded ordinances.
Alberta K9 Inc., of Ponoka County, is working with Edmonton-based charity Firefighter Aid Ukraine to coordinate the logistics to transfer Torch to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
“Right now it’s very difficult for them to train their own canines with everything else they have going on. They’re happy to have a fully trained dog that’s coming over there that’s ready to work,” said Matt Lapointe, co-owner of Alberta K9, about Torch, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois, valued at $25,000.
He said it’s estimated that every year of conflict requires 10 years of demining, and Torch is a very serious dog with an excellent nose.
“We wanted to find a meaningful way to support the citizens of Ukraine as they navigate the incomprehensible invasion of their country.
“We have no doubt that the donation of K9 Torch will support the safety and protection of the Ukrainian public and members of its State Emergency Service.”
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Since 2016, Alberta K9, a Métis-owned private company, has specialized in breeding, training, and handling working canines for a variety of public safety roles such as drug detection, explosives detection, ignitable liquid detection, and more. Canines trained by Alberta K9 are deployed with clients throughout North America.
Torch, who is also trained for public safety patrol, is the litter mate of Marshal, an ignitable liquid detection canine trained by Alberta K9 for Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.
Trainers with Alberta K9, and representatives of Firefighter Aid Ukraine, will deliver Torch to Kyiv to transition him to his new handler.
Firefighter Aid Ukraine will be fundraising to cover travel expenses and to purchase critical safety equipment for Torch that will include a ballistic vest. Donations can be made at https://www.firefighteraidukraine.com/donate.
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Firefighter Aid Ukraine has spent nearly a decade working with the State Emergency Services and volunteer brigades in Ukraine. To date the volunteer-run organization has delivered over 140 tons of critical aid for the front lines and communities affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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