Peterborough Police Service Mourns Loss Of Beloved Service Dog Gryphon

The Peterborough Police Service station is flying its flags at half-mast to honour the passing of Police Service Dog Gryphon on Wednesday after unexpected medical issues.

K9 Gryphon helps Constable Dillon Wentworth during a demonstration at an OFAH fishing event for PTBO Bigs and OFAH Camp Kids. photo by David Tuan Bui.

Gryphon joined the service in December 2021 and was sworn in on March 2, 2022. 

He and Police Constable Dillon Wentworth assisted on many calls for service, whether it was tracking (suspects or missing people), clearing a building, assisting the Emergency Response Team or firearms detection

“We have the utmost respect for our Police Service Dogs and the valuable skills they bring to a police service,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.  They keep our officers safe and members of the public with unwavering commitment.  It is a sad time as we reflect on the positive impact Gryphon made on the safety of our community. Gryphon was an invaluable member, and his service will not be forgotten.”

Highlights of Griffin’s accomplishments include tracking a driver who fled the scene of a collision for more than a kilometre, locating three break-and-enter suspects several blocks from the crime scene and helping officers take them into custody. He led officers to a wanted suspect hiding beneath a mattress and tracked another suspect who fled from police, resulting in an arrest and the recovery of a replica handgun and three knives.

Most recently, Gryphon assisted in the arrest of a man wanted on multiple warrants and helped clear a building by encouraging several unwanted individuals to leave.

PSD Gryphon gave back to the community, often demonstrating his skills during presentations to groups of all ages, summer camps and at Peterborough Police Service’s community open houses.

In 2023, the Peterborough Police Service K9 Unit, including Gryphon and Wentworth, participated in the Canadian Police Dog Championship Trials, placing fifth in drug detection and fourth in building searches. 

Wentworth was a second-generation police dog handler; his father is a retired officer and handler with the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service. The father/son duo were certified by the Niagara Police Service K9 Unit, which helped train the Peterborough Police Service K9 unit.

A book of condolence will be available in the front lobby of the police station.

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