What’s happening?
Rockhampton has gained two newly graduated Police Dog teams through the latest Queensland Police Service (QPS) Dog Squad intake.
QPS announced on 5 June 2026 that five new Police Dog teams had graduated after a ceremony at the Brisbane Dog Squad.
Senior Constable Michael Festing and PD Xero have joined the Rockhampton Dog Squad and Senior Constable Riki Stewart and PD Bruno have also been deployed to Rockhampton.
The new Rockhampton teams graduated alongside Police Dogs Hooper, Jero and Izzy, who have been sent to Moreton and Townsville.
QPS said most graduates filled existing positions. However, one new handler and general-purpose police dog role was established in Rockhampton.
Why it matters?
Police dogs support officers during searches, offender tracking and apprehension.
Their work is often needed during high-risk incidents, where speed, scent and training can support public safety.
Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said the graduation marked a major step for the handlers, dogs and frontline policing.
“These police dogs and their handlers have shown immense dedication, resilience, and skill throughout the training program and their careers to date,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“PDs play a vital role in frontline policing, offering support which surpass human capability.
“Our officers and police dogs are tasked with community safety and called upon in times of often high-risk situations.
“Having the largest capability in the organisation’s history means that we can continue to deliver community safety where and when it is needed the most.”
Local Impact
The latest graduating class brings both extra coverage and a historic local boost.
PD Xero and PD Bruno will support frontline police operations across the region.
Rockhampton also gains the only newly established handler and general-purpose police dog role from this intake.
That matters for a regional area where police can face wide patrol areas and varied operational demands.
By the numbers
- QPS now has 95 handlers and 115 police dogs, giving the service its largest canine team in state history.
- The QPS Dog Squad operates across 15 locations, including regional centres such as Rockhampton and Townsville.
- The five new Police Dog teams completed a 12-week training program before joining operational duties.
Zoom In
Rockhampton received two of the five graduating Police Dog teams.
Senior Constable Michael Festing and PD Xero have joined the Rockhampton Dog Squad.
Senior Constable Riki Stewart and PD Bruno have also been deployed to the Rockhampton Dog Squad.
PD Xero is part of a rare father and son graduating duo, alongside PD Jero.
PD Jero has joined the Moreton Dog Squad with Senior Constable Sam Stutsel.
Two of the five German Shepherd graduates are legacy police dogs, bred from currently serving Police Dogs.
Each graduate was presented with a QPS ceremonial collar to mark the start of their Dog Squad career.
Zoom Out
The QPS Dog Squad was established in 1972.
It now includes general-purpose dogs, specialist detection dogs and tactical working dogs.
The latest graduates have been deployed across Rockhampton, Moreton and Townsville.
The full graduating teams are:
- Senior Constable Michael Festing and PD Xero, Rockhampton Dog Squad
- Senior Constable Riki Stewart and PD Bruno, Rockhampton Dog Squad
- Senior Constable Ryley Kajewski and PD Hooper, Moreton Dog Squad
- Senior Constable Sam Stutsel and PD Jero, Moreton Dog Squad
- Constable Morgan Prendergast and PD Izzy, Townsville Dog Squad
Constable Morgan Prendergast said PD Izzy was ready for work in Townsville.
“PD Izzy is incredibly determined,” Constable Prendergast said.
“We’ve built a strong bond during training and I have every confidence in his abilities as my partner.
“Regional policing is incredibly unique and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve my hometown and support community safety in this new role.”
What To Look For Next?
Rockhampton residents can expect PD Xero and PD Bruno to become part of local police operations.
Their arrival gives the region added canine support for searches, tracking and apprehension work.
The new Rockhampton role also points to growing regional demand for police dog capability.
