They're practically inseparable, OPP Constable Brett Holland and his partner, Vinny, and they're ready to fight crime in Essex County.
The Ontario Provincial Police Essex County detachment welcomes a new K9 Unit after a 21-week General Service Course. It's qualified in tracking missing/lost persons, criminal apprehension, and tactical obedience.
Holland and the two-year-old Belgian Malinois replace Constable Milan Matovski and K9 Officer Maximus. Maximus retired in 2023, and Staff Sergeant Matovski was recently transferred to the OPP's headquarters in Orillia.
"As the OPP's largest detachment in the province, having the capacity to provide K9 services in support of our communities is invaluable," said Superintendent Mark Loucas, the detachment commander in Essex County. "You can expect to see Vinny on patrol with his partner throughout Essex County."
Vinny and Holland still have some training to complete in narcotic and firearm/ammunition detection.