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Died – 3/18/17
Handler – Constable Arnie Klassen
Faithful Police Dog Passes Away After Seven Years Of Service
After nearly seven years of service, Winkler Police Service Dog, Tika, passed away. Winkler Police note Tika passed away March 18 after a rapid decline in health and a series of health complications. Assigned to partner, Constable Arnie Klassen, Tika was the first K9 member in Winkler’s history. Specializing in drug detection, Klassen and Tika became well-known through their outreach programs at local schools, teaching children about police work. In a story last year, Klassen reflected on his time with Tika:”She’s part of my life at work and at home,” he says. “We’ve spent a lot of time together, there’s definitely a bond there.” He added:”I don’t think about it very much, but when she’s not working with me anymore I’ll probably miss that, maybe more than I realize,” he says. “She’s a good aspect to my day. I don’t think I’ve actually prepared for it emotionally… there will be a hole in my day when I don’t have her anymore.” Tika could identify nine different illegal drugs including meth, cocaine and heroin. Her most common work was vehicle searches, and was often brought in for drug warrants. “She also became a dear friend to all of our staff and their families,” Winkler Police said in a release. “Tika was an important member of our community and will be greatly missed by all.” Winkler Police say they would like to continue the program, and are currently looking at securing another Police Service Dog.
