Police dog squad pioneer honoured
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A dog off-leash area at Aeroglen has been renamed “Malcolm McKaskill Dog Park” in recognition of the first Officer in Charge of the Cairns Dog Squad.
The new name for the fenced area next to Touch Park pays homage to Sergeant McKaskill - a retired police officer and Brinsmead resident who established the Cairns Dog Squad in 1986.
Under his helm, the dog squad became one of the highest performing units in Queensland, apprehending about 200 offenders per year.
Sgt McKaskill retired in 2010 after 38 years of policing service.
Throughout his career, Sgt McKaskill received numerous honours, including the National Medal, QPS Diligent and Ethical Service Medal, and various certificates of appreciation for his outstanding work with police dogs.
A statue and plaque commemorating working dogs of the Queensland Police Service was unveiled at the park in June.