Passing of Police Service Dog Gryphon

The flags will be at half-mast at the Peterborough Police Service today, Thursday, October 1, 2026, after the passing of Police Service Dog Gryphon on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 as a result of unexpected medical issues. 

Gryphon joined the service in December 2021 and was sworn in on March 2, 2022.  Since that time, he has been a valued member of the Service and a loyal partner to PC Dillon Wentworth.

Together they 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, Gryphon made our community safer.

Gryphon's nose was his greatest gift.

Over the past four years, more than a dozen media releases highlighted his remarkable tracking abilities and the important role he played in keeping our community safe. He tracked a driver who fled the scene of a collision for more than a kilometer, located three break-and-enter suspects several blocks from the crime scene, and helped 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. Time and again, his instincts, determination, and exceptional scent-tracking abilities proved invaluable to the officers he worked alongside and the community he served.

PSD Gryphon was a community favourite often demonstrating his skills during presentations to groups of all ages, summer camps, and at our own community open houses, including the most recent one on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

In 2023, the Peterborough Police Service K9 Unit, including PSD Gryphon and PC Wentworth, participated in the Canadian Police Dog Championship Trials at which time they placed fifth in drug detection and fourth in building searches. 

The bond between a K9 officer and their handler is incredibly special. The role of a K9 handler is 24/7/365. If they were not answering calls for service, they were training and preparing.  Anyone who was able to witness this pair at work would have seen great trust, commitment and work ethic in the execution of their duties.  Gryphon was far more than a working partner to PC Wentworth and his loss will be felt by the Wentworth family and all of us at the Peterborough Police Service.

PC Wentworth was a second generation K9 handler; his father is a retired officer and K9 handler with the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service.  Both father and son were certified by the Niagara Police Service K9 Unit, who have been valuable partners in training our local K9 unit.

“We have the utmost respect for our Police Service Dogs and the valuable skills they bring to a police service.  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.” Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service.

There will be a book of condolence in the front lobby of the police station.

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
876@peterboroughpolice.ca
705-876-1122 x217