Police dog Uzi graduates training among 43 new officers

A four-legged police recruit stole the show at the region’s latest graduation ceremony where almost half of the fresh faced officers will stay working in the North.

A FOUR-legged police recruit stole the show at the region’s latest graduation ceremony where almost half of the fresh faced officers will stay working in the North.

German shepherd Police Dog (PD) Uzi and his handler Senior Constable David Forrest were among 43 police officers celebrated on Wednesday after months of hard work.

Constable Forrest said his almost two-year-old pooch was “the best” among the region’s high-calibre dog squad, and had already tracked down criminals before officially graduating.

“He’s a good little police dog. We’ve got a good bond and we work well together,” he said.

The pair went through a 14-week course involving tracking, obedience and building searches before PD Uzi eventually made the cut.

Senior Constable David Forrest with new police dog Uzi. Picture: Evan Morgan

“(The course) is quite hard, there’s not many dogs that come out each year.

“They need to be level headed and independent, he needs to be able to do his job and I am just there to help him.”

Senior Constable David Forrest with new police graduate Uzi. Picture: Evan Morgan

PD Uzi is Constable Forrest’s first police dog as a handler. He worked at Kirwan station for six years before being eligible for a role in the dog squad.

“I’ve always wanted to get into dog handling, it’s why I got into the service. It’s been a big change.”

PD Uzi joins three other general purpose dogs and one drug dog in Townsville’s squad, who are regularly called out to track down offenders in the city.

Of the 43 police graduates, 20 will remain stationed in the Northern Region to bolster the hardworking team.

Townsville Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said the extra boots on the ground were beneficial.

“More police means it improves our ability to get to jobs quicker and help the community,” Supt Hanlon said.

“They will be put to good use and we are very happy to have them.”

Vehicle pinched in break-in, set on fire

POLICE are investigating after a stolen vehicle was found torched in Kirwan early this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Heritage Close, Kirwan about 4.30am to reports of a vehicle on fire.

The remains of a vehicle fire in Heritage Close, Kirwan. Picture: Chris McMahon

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The LDV dual cab had been stolen from Douglas earlier in the night.

A police spokeswoman said the dual cab was stolen between 10pm Sunday and 3am Monday.

The vehicle was stolen as part of a burglary at the address.

Townsville police are still investigating.

A car fire in Kirwan on Monday morning. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Police dog Uzi graduates training among 43 new officers