Drug dog’s service rewarded

The valuable role of dogs in drug detection at Albany Regional Prison has been recognised, with long-standing drug dog Axel awarded a national Canine Service Medal.

Now happily retired after eight years of continuous service, starting with the Australian Border Force in 2005, 16-year-old Axel and handler Dawn were among eight recipients of a Canine Service Medal at the ceremony held by the Australian Defence Force Trackers and the War Dogs Association.

But because of Axel’s age and the travel, he was unable to attend the service to receive his eight-year service medal, the maximum number drug-detection dog can serve before retirement.

Dawn, Albany Regional Prison’s drug detection unit officer, said new dog Carson was brought into service as a two-year-old puppy as a replacement for Axel, who retired in 2013.

“The new dog learns off the old dog, so to speak,” she said.

“It’s a volatile environment so the older dog gives the new dog the confidence. It’s no different to staff members, so there is a smooth transition.”

Dawn recalled a memorable seizure from a prisoner’s cell with a drug stash located behind the wall after assisting search officers did not believe Axel had found anything.

“It was a proud ‘see, my dog knows what he’s doing’ moment as that concealment was located,” she said.

Albany Regional Prison Superintendent Charlie Tuck said Carson provided an efficient drug detection service for the prison and was integral to stopping drugs entering the prison.