RIP Police Service Dog Bingo
Hundreds of saddened Toronto Police officers attended a memorial service for Bingo, the first police dog killed in the line-of-duty in the 189-year history of the force.
Sgt. Brandon Smith, of the Canine Unit, who was Bingo’s partner credited his ‘best friend’ for saving his life last July 25.
“Bingo took the bullet before we were shot,” and emotional Smith told his colleagues at the Woodbine Banquet Hall on September 22. “He was my partner and hero. Bingo save the lives of others that day.”
Sgt. Brandon Smith with his best friend Bingo in better days. Toronto Police photo.
He said a gunman, sought for a murder and possession of a gun, was hiding in a dark area of a Dixon Road backyard which officers were searching when Bingo was shot.
“Bingo never had a chance to bark before he was shot,” said Smith, with wife Heather at his side. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for Bingo.”
Chief Myron Demkiw presented Bingo’s police badge, his leash and a Canadian flag to the grieving officer and his family.
“Bingo served the residents of Toronto and he did it with pride,” Demkiw said. “He was always there when needed to serve and to protect our officers.”
TPS Chief Myron Demkiw presenting Bingo’s police badge and leash to handler Sgt. Brandon Smith.
The Chief said the canine ‘made the ultimate sacrifice’ and saved other officers that day.
“When Bingo was at a scene officers knew he was there to back them up,” he said. “Bingo was a beloved member of the Toronto Police Service and his legacy will live on in our hearts.”
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed condolence to Smith, who cared for Bingo since he was a pup and was his partner on many calls.
Bingo
“Bingo was a hero with four legs and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Chow told the gathering. “He never wavered and had an unbreakable bond with his handler.”
Supt. Colin Greenway, the unit commander of specialized emergency response, said ‘it was the worst day of his life’ attending the scene and witnessing Bingo lying on the ground.
“It is heartbreaking that today we are celebrating his life,” Greenway said. “Sgt. Smith lost his partner and best friend to a cowardly act. He was truly man’s best friend.”
Bingo joined the Police Dog Services in July 2022 and was partnered with Smith. After completing extensive training together, the K9 graduated in December 2022.
Kenneth Grant, 44, of Toronto, has been charged with second-degree murder in The Queensway and Kipling Avenue shooting death of a man the previous day.