Press Release
The Kenora OPP is pleased to announce its detachment is the home of the newest K9 team in the Northwest Region.
Provincial Cst. Jeff Poperechny and his K9 partner, “Jax,” now are on patrol in Kenora and providing service to the region.
Cst. Poperechny, originally from Fort Frances, joined the Kenora Police Service in May, 2002 and transitioned to the OPP in 2009.
“Jax” is a two-year-old German Shepherd general service dog.
A general service dog’s duties include searching for lost, wanted, and missing persons, drug and weapons detection, as well as participating in community service work and public demonstrations.
The OPP K9 teams undergo 16 weeks of intensive training at the OPP Academy Canine Training Centre in Gravenhurst.
Careful consideration is given to the selection of both dog and handler.
German Shepherds are chosen for general service duties at roughly 18-24 months old.
OPP canine handlers have a minimum three years of policing experience, possess a high degree of self-discipline and patience, a favourable attitude towards animals, and they must be in top physical condition.
OPP K9 teams are on call 24 hours a day for assignments anywhere in Ontario.
You can expect to see Cst. Poperechny and “Jax” conducting training exercises and on general patrol throughout the community.
For more information regarding the K9 Unit, visit opp.ca
