RETIRED police dogs have been honoured at a special ceremony.
The dogs, who worked in the Avon and Somerset Police force, received recognition at an event on Wednesday (January 8) in Clevedon.
The event - supported by the National K9 Memorial which campaigns for recognition of the work of brave police dogs – is one of the first of its kind in the UK, but is planned to be an annual occasion and potentially rolled out to other forces.
Retired police dogs Aden, Baz, Diesel, Hugh, Ollie, Paddy, Quanto, Solo and Billy were presented with National K9 Memorial medals for their services to policing, by Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Crew.
Also recognised were police dogs who could not attend for health reasons or who have sadly passed away since their police careers.
Each dog has completed a full service to the organisation and communities of Avon and Somerset in the fields of general purpose patrol, firearms support and specialist searches in explosives and drug detection.
Courageous and caring actions of the police dogs were recognised, from life-saving search and finds of missing and vulnerable people to policing events of national importance such as the 2012 Olympics and the detection of major hauls of drugs, cash and firearms to the apprehension of machete or gun-wielding criminals.
The PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner) Shield was presented to serving PD Bandit and his handler PC Lee Fairman, for their outstanding teamwork in 2019 which included numerous finds of money, drugs and firearms.
HONOURED: Lee Fairman and Bandit with TCI Will Barlow and BCC Sara Crew
Sue Mountstevens, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Police dogs are a valuable asset in vital operations that take dangerous drugs off our streets or help find missing people.
"They are also an extension of the handlers who work with and care for them daily and it is wonderful to see the outstanding teamwork of PD Bandit and his handler, PC Fairman, recognised with this award.”
A moving tribute was also paid to Linda Paton, wife of serving Officer PC Adam Paton, who lost her battle with cancer last year. Linda, who like many family members become part of the wider support police team when they live with and care for a police dog, provided unrelenting support and encouragement to PC Paton and the police dogs he handled throughout his career.
BBC TV presenter Alex Lovell presented the Linda Paton Memorial Plate, which will be an annual award in recognition of the most improved team, to PD Karma and his handler PC Chris Hardaway who have demonstrated an outstanding working partnership over the past year.
A special retirement award was made to former Tactical Support Chief Inspector Shane Hawkings for recognition of outstanding performance and dedication to duty, on behalf of the Deputy Chief Constable and the colleagues he recruited, trained, encouraged and developed.
The ceremony was attended not only by police dog instructors and their handlers but some of the families who live with or have adopted retired police dogs. Also in attendance were the kennel staff and vets who look after the police dogs’ welfare during their careers, the puppy walkers who support the dogs in their early years and the RSPCA West Hatch and Buddy’s Rural Animal Rescue charity, both of whom provide rescue dogs for service.
PROUD: Karma and Chris with PC Adam Paton and TV presenter Alex Lovell
Chief Dog Instructor for Avon and Somerset Police Sergeant Denis McCoy said: “It is fantastic to be working with the National K9 Memorial to recognise the outstanding contribution our police dogs make in protecting and serving the communities of Avon and Somerset.
“Our dogs generally start their police service at 12 to 18 months of age, retiring at 8 to 10 years, depending on fitness and breed. During their careers, they will carry out a range of duties from locating vulnerable and missing people and detaining violent offenders to dealing with large scale disorder and detection of explosives and drugs. They truly are incredible.”
Tactical Support Inspector Will Barlow added: “Our police dogs carry out their duties with unstinting bravery, skill and honesty and can often reach across boundaries that human beings can’t. They provide a reassuring presence to their handlers in the often dangerous pursuit of their duties and have saved the lives of many vulnerable citizens. They are just as much a part of the police family as the rest of us and we are proud to be one of the first forces to formally recognise their careers and achievements in this way.”
Here are some of the dedicated dogs honoured by the police force at the ceremony:
Retired PD Albie
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 10, 2020
Albie was part of our first litter with his brothers Aden and Axel who were born in 2010. Handled by PC Paul Hilder. He was a lovely dog who retired in May 2017. Albie passed away a year later after a short illness. pic.twitter.com/aG71wHbMdM
Retired PD Alfie
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 10, 2020
Alfie came to Avon and Somerset police in 2011 when his previous owner arrived at our training dept in despair. After training with PC Phil Huggett Alfie passed his initial drugs, weapons, and cash course in 2013 and went on to many successes, retiring in 2019. pic.twitter.com/CYirKLZLRm
Retired PD Shelby
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 10, 2020
Shelby was an explosive detection dog who worked with handler PC Ian Grant. Shelby received a @K9memorialUk medal at our recognition ceremony that took place on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/sTGCE2BRZ5
Retired PD Xena
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 10, 2020
Xena, was one of our first Malinois puppies that we had on the unit. She was handled by Sgt Steve Hopwood @hoppyk9. She served for 8 years as a General purpose and Firearms Support Dog. She retired in 2016 and lives a great life with her new owner in Wiltshire. pic.twitter.com/jwsiItJnOd
Retired PD Elmo
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 10, 2020
Elmo was handled by PC Andy Jerreat and was a GP and Firearms Support Dog. He represented us at both Regional and National Trials. A great dog who sadly passed away whilst still in service in 2017. pic.twitter.com/NcBm6AaG55
Retired PD Bear
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 10, 2020
Bear served us from 2012 to 2018 as GP and Firearms Support Dog and working on ARVs. Handled by PC Rich Martin. He is now spending his retirement on a farm in Herefordshire loving life. pic.twitter.com/7Iuweh3BGS
Retired PD Sid
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 10, 2020
Sid worked for us from 2006 to 2016 as an Explosives detection dog. Worked all around the UK and was a fantastic dog handled by PC Nick Dalrymple. He retired to Nick and his family But sadly passed away in 2018. pic.twitter.com/15s5qqvAAT
Retired PD Paddy
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
Paddy joined us in 2008 & was handled by Sgt Denis McCoy. Paddy worked throughout the UK at the 2012 Olympics, Commonwealth Games & Champions League Final.
Awarded recognition certificate by PSNI. Retired in 2019.
Now taken care of by Ruari, son of Denis. pic.twitter.com/1sf2LZXYgP
Retired PDs Solo & Diesel
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
Diesel was a rescue dog from RSPCA West Hatch and went on to train as a drugs, cash & firearms recovery dog.
Solo is Diesels buddy having worked together are also now retired together travelling all over the country enjoying life. pic.twitter.com/HEA394XTwr
Retired PD Chief
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
He joined Avon and Somerset from Yorkshire police in 2014. He was handled by PC Marcus Claridge. He retired in 2019 and lives on an equestrian centre enjoying his free time pinching sausages sandwiches as often as possible. Chief was in attendance yesterday. pic.twitter.com/XoMzbYGBSK
Retired PD Hugh
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
High has helped protect the public for over seven years. Firstly in his younger years for Surrey police and then joining Avon and Somerset where he proved himself to be a valuable resource and trusted partner to PC Adam Webb. Now retired with Adam enjoying life. pic.twitter.com/t1moXCD8yc
Retired PD Ollie
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
Ollie was donated by a family who were struggling with him. He was licenced with PC Louise Grabham in 2014 and had numerous finds throughout his career. He retired in 2019 to Lou & her family and her daughter Olivia has taken over the care of him. pic.twitter.com/Av0exuWHt5
Retired PD Aden
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
Aden came from our “A litter” breeding programme 10 years ago. He became National Police Dog trials champion in 2013 & Regional Champion in 2012/2013/2014.
A Firearms Support Dog who retired with Nick and is enjoying retirement. pic.twitter.com/cdDJjKaIFc
Retired PD Ronnie
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
Ronnie worked for us from 2008-2014 & was handled by PC Lee Fairman. Also a Firearms Support Dog & one of our dogs that worked as part of a Armed Response Vehicle on our firearms dept
Ronnie retired to Lee but sadly passed away only a few months into retirement pic.twitter.com/xGtKpJwmnN
Retired PD Billie
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
She arrived from Wiltshire Police after her previous handler retired but her career continued in A&S with PC Leigh Hext. Billie has recently retired for medical reasons and is now enjoying a well earned rest in retirement. pic.twitter.com/Rp5Gx8484u
This is Retired PD Berkley who worked for us for many years after being bred by our own puppy scheme and was handled by PC Ian Grant. He was taken on by Dean and his family but sadly Berkley passed away recently but yesterday Dean was in attendance to collect Berkeley’s medal. pic.twitter.com/1GbIjI1ErD
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
Retired PD Baz.
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
Came to us in 2008 & was handled by PC Phil Huggett. Was also a Firearms Support Dog. In 2013 Baz met SC James Warren & he would frequently patrol together with them attending many successful jobs. Then in 2015 James took on Baz & is enjoying a quiet retirement. pic.twitter.com/KC9V6jtjiP
Retired PD Quanto was in attendance at the awards ceremony.
— ASPoliceDogs (@ASPoliceDogs) January 9, 2020
He joined in 2007 and was handled by PC Alan Mallett. He was awarded a Chief Supt Commendation in 2011 and Dog Action of the year in 2012. He retired in 2017 aged 10 and currently lives with his handler to date. pic.twitter.com/cMUXiP1nvr
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