The Sarnia Police Service is expanding its canine capabilities, with a second dog team expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Following the success of Constable Shawn Urban and his canine partner Vader—the city’s first police dog team in 25 years—the Sarnia Police Services Board has approved the purchase of a second police dog. The new dog will come from a Pennsylvania kennel, with training for both the dog and a selected Sarnia officer to be conducted alongside the Windsor Police Service.
The cost of acquiring the dog, training, equipment, and kennel setup is projected at approximately $30,000, a sum already accounted for within this year’s police budget.
Police Chief Derek Davis noted that although such funding requests are typically presented during budget planning, “extenuating circumstances” prompted an earlier decision this year.
Deputy Chief Mike Van Sickle said demand for canine support has outpaced what a single team can handle, making the expansion timely. “This is an opportunity for us to train our next dog,” Van Sickle said. “It’s happening a little sooner than we had originally anticipated.”
The second handler has yet to be selected, but there is strong interest among current officers. The police service had already prepared a backup cruiser for Vader’s team, which will now be assigned to the second unit.
Training for the new dog and handler is expected to begin this summer, with deployment anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026.
Since beginning operations in August 2024, Vader and Urban have responded to 46 calls last year and 33 so far this year, according to a police report. About 40 percent of those calls occurred when Urban was off duty, leading to overtime and operational challenges. A week-long absence after Vader sustained a paw injury during training further highlighted the need for backup.
“The demand is quickly exceeding what can be sustained by a single team,” Van Sickle said.
The canine unit has proved instrumental in searches, drug detection, evidence recovery, suspect apprehension, and public demonstrations. Vader’s presence has often helped de-escalate high-risk situations, leading to greater compliance from suspects, the report noted. The dog also allows searches to be completed far faster than officers on foot.
When not deployed with Vader, Constable Urban continues to perform regular police duties.
Board member Coun. Anne Marie Gillis praised the move, emphasizing the overwhelming workload faced by a single handler. “There’s a high demand, and it’s too much for one individual,” she said. “I’m glad we’re doing it.”