Police dog Gage farewelled this afternoon

Christchurch police dog Gage was farewelled in a private ceremony in the city today.

The short but moving service was a chance for handler Senior Constable Bruce Lamb to say a final goodbye and words to his courageous good mate who has worked alongside him for the last six years.

It was also an opportunity for the Lamb family and fellow Canterbury Police dog handlers to honour and remember with affection and respect the role Gage has played in their lives.

The service was also attended by handlers from Customs, Corrections and Aviation Security Service who have strong ties with police dog sections throughout New Zealand.

Gage - pedigree name Trentham Gage - was the 23rd police dog to be killed on duty.

"Gage was a dog with character who was strong and keen to work," said Sergeant Alastair Sim, acting head of the Christchurch police dog section. "He had his special quirks and was definitely a one-man dog. Bruce and Gage were a very experienced and formidable team."

Sergeant Sim said Senior Constable Lamb and colleagues hugely appreciate the many messages they have received. "We know that people would have liked to attend the ceremony but this had to be a quiet moment for Bruce, his family and for those of us who worked alongside Gage."

Senior Constable Lamb has received many tributes to Gage reflecting on the special bond between handler and dog. Sections of these were incorporated into day's ceremony including the following lines penned by a member of Bruce's extended family:

"...The police dog. Everyone admires these strong, beautiful creatures given to face danger for our sake and who without a thought will make the ultimate sacrifice in the course of duty. All over the world the police dog is a symbol. That symbol does not need definition for it speaks to us all in its own way without words. Every fine citizen of our nation is grieved at the loss of Gage....for his life of fearlessness and faithful service in the cause of justice. No-one feels his loss more than his Master. Nothing touches the heart like a dog...."

Gage's body, wrapped in a New Zealand Police flag for the service, will be cremated.

MEDIA NOTE: There will be no interviews or further comment on the service or from the injured officers.

Ends
Released by: Kaye Calder, Senior Media Adviser: District Liaison, Police National Headquarters. Mobile 027 241 6305 or email: kaye.calder@police.govt.nz