It’s our fervent wish that all the dogs who work so hard to keep us safe have long, healthy and productive lives. Sometimes fate decides otherwise, as it did on September 13, 1996, when PSD Chip was stabbed to death on the side of a mountain near Hope, BC. He was only 2 and half years old.
Despite his short career, Chip made a big impression on his handler,Constable Lewis, who described him as a fast learner and the most attentive of the 5 dogs he handled during his police career. Chip had a real knack for finding stolen property, whether he was on duty or just out for a walk and rummaging in the bushes. Most dogs find sticks – Chip found purses, clothing and weapons.
After finding his treasures Chip would rush back to his human partner to show off his find. That positive trait proved to be a major issue when, while searching for an armed robbery suspect, Chip found a handgun in a roadside ditch. Pleased with his discovery, Chip promptly trotted toward his handler holding the cocked and loaded handgun in his mouth, barrel forward! Thinking fast, Cst Lewis put his police car between himself and his loyal partner. Chip didn’t get the message, which led to Lewis running laps around the car with an armed Chip in hot pursuit. It’s all fun and games until someone gets shot!
We remember you, Chip, and your sacrifice. Thank you for your service, for the laughs and the image of you chasing your handler while literally armed to the teeth!