A four-legged soldier of the 7th Pomeranian Territorial Defence Brigade, German Shepherd Riko, was promoted to an older dog. This is the first specified discrimination in contract dogs that have supported territorial defence troops in rescue and search operations for respective years.
Tadeusz Grabowski joined WOT in December 2021. Riko was a puppy at the time, but immediately began training under his guardian and guide. He passed the “0” class exam in the State Fire Department and, like a actual soldier, passed the military qualification. He's my second rescue dog and a household associate at the same time. The first was with me 10 years in the Search and Rescue Group of Gdańsk. It's not easy being a dog's guide. It takes quite a few time to train him. Riko and I do basic training all day, and twice a week search exercises with pretenders. We are fortunate that we live in Tri-City, where there are quite a few forests where we can train," says Fr.
He then underwent training and the most crucial class examination ‘1’ at the method Training Centre of the K9 Search and Ratovian Groups in the Raciborska Forge, which gives the chance to usage the dog in a real search action. Thus, the Shepherd officially joined the K9 group, and the commander of the 7th PBOT signed a contract with his guardian to usage the dog in service. Riko is 1 of 2 contracted four-legged soldiers in the brigade, and shortly the 3rd will join.
After the contract and basic training with a guide, each dog in the K9 group, Just like a service dog in the Polish Army, he receives a military degree (the highest is plutonium). As Riko passed the state examination class “0” earlier, in the PSP, he jumped the rank of private and was immediately appointed an older dog. During the solemn fundraiser at the 49th Air Base in Pruszcz Gdańsk, on 7 November, he was officially promoted. For the 7th PBOT it is simply a unique event – especially due to the fact that for the first time in WOT past a four-legged soldier was awarded.
– We wanted our dogs to be treated equally with others in the armed forces, not worse due to the contract. That's why we wanted to get grades. I am very happy to see the success and advancement of our rescue dogs, and the engagement of all soldiers who want to participate in the task – he emphasises Monika Krasińska-Ligejka, Head of the Training Section of the method Training Centre of the K9 Search and Ratovnicze Groups in the Raciborska Kuźnia.
The mission of the facility is to train search and rescue teams K9 from all territorial defence forces. The first unit to pilot this programme in 2019 is 13 Silesian Territorial Defence BrigadeAnd the first dog in the WOT was Belgian Shepherd Ares. For good, the task started in 2021, but it was only since April 2025 that the hotel in Kuźnia Raciborska gained authority to conduct state examinations and issue emergency certificates to dogs and their guides.
– On 20 and 21 November, the first major “0” class examinations will be conducted, to which 5 dogs will take part and 4 further will take the “1” class exam. Previously, the centre trained planners and navigators for search and rescue operations. This year we are gaining momentum, and from next year we want to enter the task with full steam and start very intensive tactical tracking training. We see a need. Currently, K9 groups are established in each brigade, which are rapidly active in search and rescue operations, says Krasińska-Ligejka, the creator of the GPR and OSS project. It points out that the K9 groups are useful both in times of peace and in armed conflicts.
The Class 1 examination must be renewed annually. There are 3 specialities to choose from: the terrain that Riko has, the rubble and tactical tracking.
The five-year-old student of Mr Tadeusz Grabowski practically supports the activities of the brigade during training and training in the field. He besides accompanied, among others, during tasks at the Regional Youth Centre in Garczyna pod Kościerzyna, where he helped forget about the war on Ukrainian children. He is now preparing with his guardian for the Rusk Exam, which will let him to participate in rescue actions after a construction disaster. After 5 years of service, he will gain pension rights.
The promotion to the older dog – as Mr Grabowski says – is simply a large pride for both Riko and his guide. However, it does not affect any gratification. – He got quite a few flavors from me – the territorials laugh.
