Essex County OPP announced a new police canine team for the region.
Const. Brett Holland is a five-year veteran with the OPP, having started his policing career at the Upper Ottawa Valley detachment.
Police dog “Vinny” is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois originating from Belgium.
“Essex County OPP welcomes PC Brett Holland and his new partner Vinny and congratulates them on the completion of a very rigorous and demanding K9 Training course. As the OPP’s largest detachment in the province, having the capacity to provide K9 Services in support of our communities is invaluable, and you can expect to see Vinny on patrol with his partner throughout Essex County,” Superintendent Mark Loucas, Detachment Commander, Essex County OPP.
Vinny’s training qualifications include tracking for lost/missing and wanted persons, criminal apprehension and tactical obedience.
Holland and Vinny recently completed a 21-week K9 General Service Course and have more training planned for Narcotic and Firearm/Ammunition Detection in the near future.
The duo is replacing Const. Milan Matovski and K9 Maximus. Maximus retired in 2023 and now Staff Sgt Matovski recently transferred to OPP General Headquarters in Orillia.
