Three of Townsville Correctional Complex's General Purpose dogs will retire from service after distinguished careers keeping custodial officers safe.
General Purpose (GP) dogs Bullet, Knine and Kato served a total of 28 years in Queensland Corrective Services alongside their handlers.
The principle functions of correctional dog are incident response and barrier control, and their presence in our prisons act as a deterrence.
The three retiring dogs were commended by General Manager of Townsville Correctional Centre, Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw for their dedication and reliability during emergencies and breaches of security.
"I would personally like to thank the three retiring dogs and their handlers for their outstanding commitment to the security and safe order of our correctional centres," Ch Supt Kneeshaw said.
"Handlers and their dogs go beyond controlling prisoners. They provide an overall contribution to the safety of our facilities, and they have proven their worth in protecting our officers many times in their careers. I congratulate their handlers on their commitment to making Townsville Correctional Complex a safer place.
"The complex's dog squad consistently display the highest level of performance and their success in last year's Statewide competition, Top Dog showed they are the equal of any dog squad in Queensland," Ch Supt Kneeshaw said.
"Today is a bittersweet occasion for the handlers. While they are retiring their best mates who have kept them safe for many years, they are also welcoming new partners who are keen to step into their pawprints, including Gator and Lita, Ch Supt Kneeshaw said.
- Bullet the black German Shephard was aged 10 when he came from the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Dog Squad as an experienced dog. He has been the perfect prison dog, praised by his handler Ray as fearless and hardworking. He and Ray are both looking forward to retirement.
- Knine is 10-year-old fearless Sable German Shephard who thrived on confrontation and had a unique bond with his handler Mick. Mick's new partner is Gator, a black and tan German Shepard.
- Kato, who featured at the recruitment media event held in Townsville earlier this year, is known as one of the bravest dogs in the squad who never backed down from anyone or any situation. While he leaves big shoes to fill, his replacement, Lita, shows great promise as a dog with great presence and power.
Visit corrections.qld.gov.au/careers
