PSD Echo
RCMP Police Service Dog
Regimental #965
2012 – 2024
Years of Service: 2014 – 2020
Postings: British Columbia
We’re very saddened to announce the passing of PSD Echo, #965 on September 20, 2024.
PSD Echo was born on August 31, 2012, in Innisfail, Alberta. Originally, he was called Eric by the RCMP kennels, but his handler, Cpl. Rob Shanks, has called him Echo from the time they started working together. His entire career was spent primarily working in Kamloops and the surrounding area. Since he was part of the avalanche profile, he traveled to other mountainous areas of British Columbia.
Echo had a very fulfilling career. He located and apprehended many dangerous suspects and criminals. He also located a number of missing and lost persons.
One time, during a high-risk home invasion, he located an armed suspect hiding in the attic of the residence. After he was assisted into the attic and had apprehended the suspect, Echo fell through the ceiling and landed in the kitchen. This was quite a scare as he almost landed on another member! During this incident, Echo broke his tail. Fortunately, he was cared for and very eager to get back to work as soon as possible!
Echo has been described as a power chewer. He was able to chew through just about any rubber toy out there! He even had a subscription to toys made by a manufacturer of particularly rugged rubber dog toys, made expressly for ‘power chewers’. Echo was able to destroy them all within days! He also enjoyed gardening and enthusiastically dug big holes for his family every day so new full size trees could be planted!
Reflection by Echo’s handler, Cpl. Rob Shanks
Little bit about Echo. He was born in Innisfail, AB on August 31, 2012, and passed away Sept 20, 2024, with all his family there. We finished training and hit the streets of Kamloops in 2014 until his retirement in 2020. He was my protector on the streets. He caught numerous people that needed catching, but he was also a very active and incredible search dog where we located lost person in the woods. He also loved the avalanche profile. He had a loving spirit of life and people that lives on with me today. He will be missed by his family greatly.
Our thoughts at Ned’s Wish are with Cpl. Shanks and his family as they mourn the loss of this beautiful boy who worked so hard and was so dedicated to his tasks. Echo led a life of service that will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Echo. You are missed.