𝐅𝐈𝐉𝐈 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐊𝟗 𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐘

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, other ranks, K9 handlers, and invited guests, with the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, Mr. Apolosa Veve, officiating as the Chief Guest. The gathering also welcomed former IC K9 Unit, Mr. Leone Waqavatu, whose presence reflected the deep bond shared among past and present members of the K9 Unit.

K9 Hailey, a crossed German and Belgian Shepard, served the Fiji Corrections Service with distinction for over 6 years and was widely respected for her dedication, courage, and operational effectiveness. During her service, she became a valuable asset in supporting security operations and assisting officers in maintaining the safety and integrity of correctional facilities.

In an emotional eulogy delivered by her handler, Corrections Officer Class A (COA) Koresi Ratumaiyaka, Hailey was remembered not only as an exceptional working dog but also as a trusted companion and loyal partner.

COA Ratumaiyaka recounted Hailey’s journey from her early training days in 2020, where she successfully completed a demanding 12-week training programme, to her deployment with the Central Eastern Division in Nasinu.

He highlighted several of Hailey’s notable achievements, including her role in the successful recapture of an escaped inmate from the Nasinu Correctional Centre in 2024 and her assistance in the apprehension of four escaped inmates from the Suva Corrections Centre in 2025. Her contribution also extended to the capture of a grab-and-run suspect from the RUPS Mega Complex in Nakasi.

“Hailey was more than just a working dog; she was a hero,” COA Ratumaiyaka said. “Her loyalty, resilience, and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.”

The ceremony included a devotion and benediction led by the Fiji Corrections Service Chaplain, followed by the burial, last post, and wreath-laying ceremony. Officers gathered to honour Hailey’s service and reflect on the invaluable contribution made by K9 officers to the organisation’s security and rehabilitation mandate.

The Fiji Corrections Service extends its sincere gratitude to K9 Hailey for her years of faithful service and dedication to duty.