Alberta’s Jewish Sheriff and his K9 partner Seamus

By Shael Gelfand and AJNews staff

(AJNews) – What could patrolling Israel’s most dangerous borders as a member of the Israeli Defence Forces have in common with patrolling provincial highways as member of the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol? For 31-year-old Sazar Sandrusi that common denominator is dogs. Of course, not just any dogs, but highly trained K9 partners helping soldiers and law enforcement officers on opposite sides of the world.

Based in Calgary, Sandrusi has been an Alberta Sheriff for four and a half years and with his K9 Partner Seamus, part of the Alberta Sheriff’s Interdiction Patrol team. Dogs are a central part of the team that specializes in provincial border security and anti-trafficking initiatives to help keep our border safe.

“Seamus is a nearly three-year-old Belgian Malinois,” says Sandrusi. “The first K9 ever deployed by the Alberta Sheriffs.”

They have been partners for almost two years. “Seamus has a strong work ethic,” says Sandrusi, “High drive, and is always eager to earn his reward,” adding that “constant training and operational readiness are critical for the job.”

As members of the Alberta Sheriffs K9 Unit, Sandrusi, Seamus and their team patrol Alberta’s highways. “Our primary mission is to disrupt criminal activity,” says Sandrusi, “By interdicting narcotics, combating human trafficking, and detecting illegal firearms on major transportation corridors.”

On patrol with a K9 partner is nothing new for Sheriff Sandrusi. Born and raised in Ber Sheba Israel, he was a member of the IDF’s fabled Oketz, the elite canine special forces unit specializing in counterterrorism, search and rescue, and explosive detection. He was also one of the unit’s fitness instructors.

“My service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), along with being born and raised in Israel, has had the greatest influence on who I am today,” says Sandrusi. “Those experiences instilled the values of discipline, integrity, accountability, and commitment to excellence. The high standards and strong work ethic that are emphasized in Israeli culture continue to guide both my personal life and my approach to policing.”

Sandrusi, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice from Mount Royal University, is the only Jewish member of Alberta Sheriffs. He moved to Calgary in 2015 to be with his family who had all emigrated from Israel. His father served as a high-ranking staff officer in the IDF. His mother Sharon Fraiman, with multiple Masters Degrees, was an accomplished educator and curriculum builder in Be’er Sheba, and is now the dynamic Western Region Director, Major Gifts for Canadian Magen David Adom, the donor supported Israeli ambulance service. Sazar’s sister Roni is the General Manager of a major Toronto restaurant.

“Sazar is a great son,” says Fraiman, “And always volunteers for our CMDA Galas and many other community events. Giving back is something he learned from his family.”

Sandrusi’ s grandparents, Chaim and Josette Fraiman, both with PhDs in education, developed and inaugurated the education system in Be’er Sheba, influencing many generations of students and kids. Josette Fraiman was awarded the Wolf Prize, an international award given in Israel for achievements in science and arts.

Sazar Sandrusi uses his career and K9 partner Seamus to connect with the community. “Demonstrating the relationship between a handler and their K9 helps people see another side of policing,” says Sandrusi, “And reminds them that law enforcement officers are human, with personalities and meaningful connections to the work they do.”

Sandrusi’s friends speak highly of him. “Sazar is one of the most genuine, dependable, and thoughtful people I know,” says Cholwe Beleze. “He is very much a “by the book” person. He believes in doing things the right way, even when it’s the harder or less convenient option. Whether it’s at work, keeping commitments, or helping others, he values integrity and accountability…He genuinely cares about others and doesn’t seek recognition for the good things he does, but he’s always willing to lend a hand or offer support when someone needs it.”

Udi Assayag adds, “One of the things I appreciate the most about Sazar is his dedication to his career and the pride he takes of his accomplishments in his K9 unit.

He’s an ambitious guy that takes all the right steps to advance and develop his career.

On a personal level, you won’t find a better friend. He always knows the right thing to say and will offer the best advice…We need more people like him!”

Sandrusi is dedicated to building his relationship with Seamas and growing and developing the Alberta Sheriff K9 Unit and taking a leadership position. Staying fit and keeping healthy are priorities for Sazar, and when he’s not on duty, he likes travel, food experiences and spending time with family and friends.

As for Seamus, when he’s off duty, he enjoys playing with his chew toys and relaxing. “Watching him mature into a capable working dog has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” says Sandrusi.