EDMONTON – The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Canine Unit is thanking Edmontonians, as well as people from across Canada, for their support and sympathies following police service dog Quanto’s death.
Quanto, a five-year-old German Shepherd, who was a member of the EPS for three years, was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 7.
Police say he was stabbed by a suspect during a stolen vehicle call, pursuit, and criminal flight. Twenty-seven-year-old Paul Joseph Vukmanich is facing a number of charges, including criminal flight, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and cruelty to an animal.
Since Quanto’s death, EPS officers have received hundreds, if not thousands of emails, phone calls, Facebook posts and other messages.
“The loss of PSD Quanto has been devastating to every member of the EPS Canine Unit, especially Matt and his family,” explained Staff Sgt. Troy Carriere, referring to Quanto’s handler Cst. Matt Williamson. “There is certainly a huge void that will not be easily filled.”
“The overwhelming support from the community, other agencies from across Canada and the EPS family has brought a sense of comfort to us all. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us through this difficult time. It means the world to all of us, especially Matt.”
Quanto was the fifth EPS Police Service Dog killed in the line of duty. PSD Ceaser was killed in the line of duty in 1998.
The EPS will be speaking to the media on Friday at 2 p.m. at the Vallevand Dog Kennels.
A memorial for Quanto has been set up outside the kennels.
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