The Fredericton Police Force celebrated the graduation of its two newest members, K9 Jago and K9 Mac at a ceremony at City Hall on Jan. 6, where they received their badges and regimental numbers as part of the event.
Handled by Cst. Steve Burgess and Cst. Riley Hughson respectively, these Police Dog Section (PDS) teams completed an intensive 85-day Basic Dog Handlers Course through the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
Jago and Mac were secured through a police dog training agency in Ontario and originally came from Poland. Each K9 was carefully selected for physical attributes, temperament, and working drive, and completed a 12–14-month K-9 puppy training program in Poland before arriving in Fredericton in early July.
A special tribute accompanies K9 Mac, who was named in honour of the late Chief Gordon “Mac” Carlisle. Chief Carlisle served as Chief of the Fredericton Police Force from 1980 to 2005, the longest tenure in the department’s history, and was remembered for his strong leadership, integrity, and dedication to policing. He passed away in 2018.
Living full-time with their handlers, Jago and Mac are at their sides 24/7. The PDS teams are invaluable assets and bolster the FPF’s capabilities, providing critical roles such as tracking suspects and missing people, supporting criminal apprehensions, searching for weapons and contraband, and protecting officers and civilians of our city.
A special acknowledgement is extended to our partners at the New Brunswick RCMP, whose collaboration over the past several years has been of significant value. The Fredericton Police Force benefitted greatly from access to their Police Dog Services team when required and was regularly included in their training initiatives.
Funding for the FPF’s PDS was approved by City Council in 2025, with an initial investment of $331K, and an ongoing operational budget of $37,900.
The addition of K9s Jago and Mac represents a vital investment in community safety. These highly trained dogs extend the reach and capabilities of our officers, strengthen public trust, and reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to proactive policing and a safer Fredericton for all.
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Media contact:
Sonya Gilks
Public Information Officer
Fredericton Police Force
506-460-2777
Fpf.media@fredericton.ca