Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT LIARD (Jul 17/98) - It's tough to have to give up a pet, but it's even more difficult when that pet happens to be your partner on the job.

For that reason, John Milner admits that he's going to miss Luke. Milner, the new commanding officer of the Fort Liard RCMP detachment, was formerly a member of the police dog service in Burnaby, B.C. Luke, a German Shepherd, had been his partner and constant companion for the past 18 months. But he'll have a new K-9 at home soon. His daughters, Danica, Mallory, Jordana and Emalee have insisted they have a pet dog at home in addition to their two cats.

"That was a requirement with the kids," Milner said.

Milner, who grew up in Cold Lake, Alta., is stationed in the North for the first time. His previous positions were all in B.C.

-- Parksville, Lillooet, Lumby, Prince George and Burnaby.

The promotion to corporal and the chance to see the North was too much for Milner to pass up.

"It's great. We're really looking forward to living in the community," he said. "This was a great opportunity. I enjoy small town policing as well."

In addition to his new supervisory duties, he will oversee the administrative aspects of the job and conduct routine investigations.

"I'm into the flow just like everybody else," he said.

He, his wife Carmen, and the children are planning to eventually visit the Liard Hot Springs and take a trip to Yellowknife where Milner knows some fellow members of the RCMP. They won't be too eager to jump back into the family vehicle soon though, as the drive from Abbotsford proved to be a long one, he noted. In the meantime, Milner may get a chance to partake in his favorite hobbies -- hunting and fishing.