The Queensland Police Service is deeply saddened to announce the passing of retired Police Dog (PD) Turk from the Brisbane Dog Squad.
PD Turk passed away on March 26, surrounded by his handler, Sergeant Warren Gates, and his mum Claire, who loved and cared for him throughout his life and service.
PD Turk was born on March 11, 2011, and served as a Drug Detection Police Dog alongside Sergeant Gates from June 2013 to December 2020.
During his service, the pair were noted to be a formidable team, locating millions of dollars' worth of drugs across the state from Cairns to the Gold Coast and Bayside Islands to Charleville.
Sergeant Gates reflected on his time with Turk.
"I've had the privilege of being with Turk ever since he was 10 weeks old," Sergeant Gates said.
"He was the grandpup of one of my first police dog, PD Asko, and he immediately became a key part of our family."
"Turk was a sweet and loyal dog, and started his career a little timid but once he came out of his shell, he was a smooth searcher and loved searching people at festivals and night clubs."
"Together we have travelled the state on narcotics detection. One of Turk's biggest detections resulted in $450k of laundered drug money being located during a search warrant in Springfield."
The Australian Military Canine Service Medal was awarded to Turk for his outstanding service, and he recently received the Queensland Police Canine Service Medal.
In retirement, Turk continued his public service by regularly visiting sick children in hospital, attending Police Citizen Youth Clubs, and visiting schools.
Turk, affectionally known as 'Turkey', had a retirement routine of waking his mum and dad at 6am every day for playtime and a cookie. He would also run around the family farm with his brothers, Retired PD Larry and serving PD Riggs.
"He was one in a million. Turk loved a cuddle and pat and will be forever known as our "Choccy Soldier"," Sergeant Gates said.
Thank you for your service, PD Turk. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
With honour he served.
A life of service.
PD Turk will be remembered as a loyal and intelligent officer who helped remove a significant quantity of illicit drugs from Queensland streets to protect our community. His service may be over, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the many people who had the privilege of working alongside him.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
