French Ambassador and police officers pay tribute to K9 Constable Tyson’s courage and loyalty
Vieux Fort, St Lucia — The funeral of K9 Constable Tyson drew solemn tributes and heartfelt emotions Wednesday, with French Ambassador Francis Etienne visibly moved as he honored the service dog’s contribution to the Royal St Lucia Police Force.
The ceremony took place at Rambally’s Chapel in La Tourney, Vieux Fort, and was attended by senior police officials, government ministers, and members of the public. Commissioner of Police Verne Garde and Deputy Commissioner Ronald Phillip led the Royal St Lucia Police Force contingent. Also present were Minister for Crime Prevention Jeremiah Norbert and Minister for Labor Virginia Albert-Poyotte.
French Ambassador pays tribute to K9 Constable Tyson
Ambassador Etienne, fighting back tears, reflected on Tyson’s service and sacrifice. “It is much more than a dog, so I pay tribute, and we will go on. We will make sure that the contribution already demonstrated by Tyson goes on, and the fight against crime unites us,” he said. From his arrival at the chapel, Etienne appeared contemplative, underscoring the weight of the occasion.
K9 Constable Tyson remembered for courage and loyalty
Tyson, a German Shepherd trained for crime detection, died in June 2025 under circumstances that prompted a criminal investigation. The K9 officer was considered one of the force’s most valuable assets in drug and firearms detection, often deployed at ports of entry across the island.
Police earlier confirmed that Tyson’s death was being treated as suspicious, with reports suggesting the dog may have been poisoned. Unitedpac St Lucia News previously covered the developing investigation, including initial reports of Tyson being poisoned and the wider border sabotage scandal linked to his death. Authorities have also launched a formal inquiry, with a probe into the death of K9 Officer Tyson still ongoing.
Inspector Shervon Matthieu, delivering opening remarks, praised the K9 officer’s dedication. “Let us honor him not only for what he has accomplished, but also for his loyalty and heart he gave us every single day,” Matthieu said. “In less than a year, he gave us a lifetime of memories, and his legacy of bravery will always carry forward.”
Eulogies highlight vital contributions
In a eulogy, Police Constable 283 Curtis Calixte described K9 Constable Tyson as a trusted partner whose courage, loyalty, and affection set him apart. Calixte recalled Tyson’s role in multiple successful operations, including the discovery of drugs, firearms, and ammunition. He said the K9 officer’s discipline and determination left a mark on every officer who worked with him.
Matthieu added that modern policing requires every available resource, noting that Tyson represented the dedication and partnership essential in the fight against crime.
A symbol of service
Tyson’s funeral service, conducted with full military honors, underscored the respect he commanded within the force. For many officers, his passing marked not only the loss of a colleague but also a reminder of the risks and responsibilities carried in law enforcement.
The ceremony closed with a call to continue Tyson’s legacy of commitment to public safety. His handlers and fellow officers vowed to uphold the standard he set in his brief but impactful service with the Royal St Lucia Police Force.
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