LPS contest selects landmark name for new K-9 puppy

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on July 28, 2022.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Const. Braylon Hyggen and contest winner Kassie Hotton pose with Bridge Wednesday at the Lethbridge Police Station.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

After holding a puppy naming contest last month and sifting through over 500 entries, the Lethbridge Police Service has selected a name for the newest member of the K-9 unit.

“We had an overwhelming response, we had over 700 entries from within the city of Lethbridge from ages four to 14, there were a lot of great suggestions. In the end we selected to name him Bridge,” said Const. Braylon Hyggen, who is currently training the puppy.

The name was submitted by 13-year-old Kassie Hotton and was chosen not only as a tribute to the city’s most iconic landmark, but as a symbol of strength in connection with the community according to Hyggen.

“Seemed fitting for a dog who hopefully will have years of service ahead of him,” said Hyggen.

Hotton, who spoke to the media after the name announcement, said she thought the name should be Lethbridge themed.

“So I thought Bridge was a cool name,” said Hotton.

She said she was very happy to be selected to name the puppy.

“I’m pretty happy that they chose my suggestion and it’s pretty cool and it’s special that I get to be here with my family and I’m just really happy about that,” said Hotton.

During the announcement Hotton was gifted a plush Belgian Malinois puppy wearing a vest that has the LPS logo on the back. She also received a tour of the station and was able to spend some quality time with Bridge.

Bridge is a four-month-old Belgian Malinois puppy that has been in basic training for the last month and a half and called “hey you” among other different names, but now has been introduced to his forever name and is slowly getting used to it.

Hyggen said Bridge’s training has increased from basic sit down to healing and a lot of agility.

“He has no fear going over some of our obstacles down at the range and we started on article indication. The next step will be tracking which I’m hoping within a short period of time we’ll move from the article indication to tracking. He’s coming along very well,” said Hyggen.

He added that they have done a little bit of courage with some gunfire and Bridge has done very well.

“He’s not flinching or going away from that, so far everything’s looking good. Obviously a lot of puppy in him still, so he sees a squirrel every now and again and off he goes, but it’s coming along well,” said Hyggen.

He said they are hoping to have Bridge ready for duty by March 2024.

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