PSD Gator was born at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre on May 1st, 2014 and was raised by Cpl. Nick Bless in the Kitchner, Ontario area. PSD Gator was teamed up with Cst. Kurt England and moved to Campbell River, BC in July 2015. The team graduated police dog training together in June of 2016 and PSD Gator officially started his service in the RCMP. PSD Gator served his entire service in Campbell River and surrounding area until he was stabbed and killed on duty July 8th, 2021 while arresting a violent armed suspect. Without a doubt on that date, PSD Gator was responsible for helping save the lives of police and community members.
PSD Gator had a very successful career and was responsible for not only many high profile arrests but also locating and saving the lives of many people who were lost or in distress. On many occasions he was successful at locating vital evidence for his police partners. Because of PSD Gator’s ability to separate work from play, he was also well known in the community for bringing a laugh or smile to whoever was around him. Gator was a funny dog and he knew it, which made him almost infectious to be around. He is dearly missed by his family and co-workers.
As many know, RCMP Police Dogs are often named by children from all across Canada. With that comes some interesting names. Some of the names really end up suiting the dogs. PSD Gator could not have had a better name to suit him. He was great at all aspects and profiles of his job, however the name fit him more for his habits while playing with his best friend PSD Jager (Handler: Cst. Josh Grafton). The pair trained to together in 2016 and immediately became best buddies which is rare with dominant police dogs. After a tough day of training the teams would often stop at the nearest lake, pond or river to cool off and wind down. Like all police dogs, Gator loved his toys whether it be a ball, kong or a simple stick. The only thing Gator liked more than playing with a toy of his, was playing with any toy that PSD Jager had. PSD Jager loved to swim and would often escape to open water to keep his favourite stick away from Gator. This is where Gator truly lived up to his name. It was quite common for Gator to wade out and lie down in the water only keeping his nose, eyes and ears above the water line, similar to an alligator waiting for its prey. This is where he would stay until his pal Jager would come to shore for a break. Gator would take this opportunity to pounce out of the water on Jager and steal his stick or toy. This became a pretty common ritual that they both seemed to really enjoy during their months of training. It provided a few good laughs for the handlers as well.
It is very tough to describe in words how of the loss of PSD Gator has impacted his partner and family. He was fiercely loyal, incredible at his job and provided more laughs in his shortened life than ever thought possible. Gator left an impression on everyone he met and will forever be missed.