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The Edmonton Police Department (EPS) welcomes its first operating pressure intervention dog (OSID): Blaise.
“Whether it’s a tough call on a tough day or a peaceful presence, all our employees will be sworn in and civilians,” said Warren Driechel, EPS’s interim police chief.
Blaise is a black lab that is nearly three years old.
“Unlike other service dogs we have trained, Blaise specializes in providing emotional support, stress relief and additional comfort to employees who need it,” Driechel said.
Blaise is breeding and trained for over two years by the nonprofit BC & Alberta guide dogs.
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“Blaise was chosen as a specific temperament to be able to work every day in a busy environment,” said Mike Annan, Director of Service Dogs for B.C. and Alberta Guided Dogs.
“Bryce has an affinity with a lot of people.”
The EPS is Alberta’s first police organization, thanks to the injured Warriors in Canada.
“We have put operating pressure intervention dogs here nationwide and other police services in western Canada (mostly in British Columbia) on the list of health services director Philip Ralph, Canada’s Wounded Warriors.”
“Six months later, after the placement, it was amazing to see their impact on membership services.”
const. David Klein is one of Blaise’s three handlers. Has been training with dogs in recent weeks.
“We’ve been here for the past two weeks and it’s amazing…the impact he has on our members,” Klein said.
In EPS, Blaise will be available to members who have had a tough day and help reintegrate.
“I mainly work with members, I will use him, and the members are very anxious about coming back,” Klein said.
“How I saw him just breaking the ice as members come in.
& Copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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