b' VETERAN PAUL BREEZE R andThe story of retired veteran Paul Breeze and his medical service dog, Scarlettetired from the British Army, Canadian Forces theTorontoPolice Service, Paul Breeze of Epsom will go down in history as the first police officer in Ontario to go back to work accompaniedbyamedicalservice dog.Scarlettgoeswithmeevery-where, explained Paul, who was di-agnosed with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).Hismedicationisinthegolden labsbluevest.IfPaulisfeeling too crowded by a group of people, Scarlettcircleshimtocreatemore space. If his breathing goes up or he gives a verbal cue, Scarlett will give him a comforting hug, paws on chest. If Paul is having a serious panic attack orhyperventilating,Scarlettwillgo and get help. She will also warn Paul if someone is approaching him from behind.After two and a half years of train-ing, Scarlett is now a certified med-icalservicedog.Shecamefroma non-profit called the Citadel Canine Society. They train service dogs for veterans, nurses and first respondersFeeling like the top of the world, Paul and Scarlett in Banff at the peak of Sulphur Mountain.who suffer from PTSD.Im in a very good place now,Twenty-sevenyearsago,atagethingsduringhis12yearsinthe commentedPaul.Butthatwasnt16, Paul joined the British Army rightBritish Army. He retired with a half always the case. after high school. His experiencespension.He explained that the horrors hewere varied. I had to make a decision, Paul saw in the army and as a TorontoHe started out as an Ammunitionsrecalled.The12-yearmarkwasa police officer led to his PTSD. TechnicianintheRoyalLogisticsgood option to retire.Paul grew up in Shropshire, in theCorps,heservedintheinfantry,Paul shared a few good memories westMidlandsregionofEnglandthe Band, Bugles, Pipes and DrumsfromhistimeintheBritisharmy. bordering Wales. of the Royal Irish Rangers, whereHe went to Sandhurst when Prince Attheageof12,hejoinedthehecompletedmultipletoursinHarry was there. As part of his cer-Royal Marine Cadets in Britain. NorthernIreland.Heservedinaemonial duties with the band, he en-Paulpointedoutthatthereisatank regiment and also did armedtertained President Clinton and the majordifferencebetweenBritishprotection patrols. Paul worked asRoyal Family. He met his future wife and Canadian cadets. There is moreamedic,triaginginjuredsoldiersTara, when they were both perform-focus in Britain on cadets pursuingat a field hospital. His many toursing for the public at the Edinburgh a military career. Pauls father Chrisincluded Northern Ireland, Cyprus,Military Tattoo in 2003.served, giving him a role model. SaudiArabia,theBalkansandTara is Canadian, so Paul eventu-Itwasafamilything,PaulMiddle East. ally immigrated here and they set-said. Joining the army was a familyWhilePaulwasnotphysically legacy. hurt,hewitnessedmanyhorrificPlease turn to page 403939FFOFOOCCUCUSUSS- S NNEOOPVTVEEEMMMBBBEEERRR2 2200021226239Remembrance Day.indd 39 2022-10-24 12:38 PM'