Latest news with #DogUnit
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Wiltshire Police dog handler recognised for 50 years of service
A retiring police dog handler says he feels "a whole mix of emotions" after receiving a national award for 50 years of Unit manager Ian Partington, who joined Merseyside Police in 1975 and then Wiltshire Police in 1998, worked with the specialist dog section for 33 years whilst holding the ranks of sergeant and then has been given a National Police Chiefs' Council Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to Partington said he had a feeling of "great pride, but also one of humility as well". In 1986, the officer was promoted to sergeant, then six years later began working in the Merseyside Dog Section. His job has seen him deployed to numerous high-risk situations, including an IRA bomb threat at the Grand National in Partington transferred to Wiltshire Police as the Dog Section Sergeant and remained in the dog section as a handler with all types of police also took on the role of the force dog trainer whilst in the ranks of both sergeant and inspector. He retired as a police officer in 2006 and became the dog section trainer. "Anybody who's had dogs; pets or working dogs, you can't separate them but your first dog is always incredibly special and your first job with that dog is incredibly special," Mr Partington told BBC Radio first dog he received was a rescued German Shepherd called Zack."He was really quite young when I got him. I didn't really know what I was doing. Made an awful lot of mistakes and he taught me an awful lot," he said."I've been incredibly fortunate, I've been blessed with my working life. I've had some wonderful opportunities, I've worked with some fantastic people," he added. Supt Steve Cox, who recommended Mr Partington for the award, said, "Ian takes immense pride that he has passed and continues to pass on his years of knowledge and skills, and nothing gives him more pleasure than seeing his handlers having successful deployments, winning awards at trials, and quite simply watching them develop and improve."Ian is an amazing person; he is passionate and hard-working, and to this date, he continues to deliver his role to the highest standards."
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Warning as dog freed from car in spring sunshine
Police have issued a warning after officers smashed a car door window to free a dog that had been left inside. The incident in Clay Cross on Wednesday has led to a plea from Derbyshire Police for people not to leave dogs in cars during warm weather this Easter. An "irresponsible dog owner" had left a dog inside a "very hot" Citroen Picasso which led beat officers and the force's Dog Unit to smash a side window to gain access. A spokesperson for the beat team warned "a car can become as hot as an oven" even in April when the weather doesn't feel that warm. The advice comes as BBC forecasters predict sunshine and highs of 20C (68F) in parts of Derbyshire. Police said the "friendly fella" was freed and taken away, with a message left for the owner. A spokesperson said: "Many people think it's okay to leave their dog in the car if they're parked in the shade or the windows are open. "When it's 22 degrees outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. "It's very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm." The RSPCA recommends anyone seeing a dog inside a vehicle showing signs of heatstroke to call 999. Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Heatstroke in pets likely to rise as climate warms How to keep pets safe in warm weather Derbyshire Police RSPCA: Dogs Die In Hot Cars campaign
BBC News
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Warning as dog freed by police from hot car in spring sunshine
Police have issued a warning after officers smashed a car door window to free a dog that had been left incident in Clay Cross on Wednesday has led to a plea from Derbyshire Police for people not to leave dogs in cars during warm weather this "irresponsible dog owner" had left a dog inside a "very hot" Citroen Picasso which led beat officers and the force's Dog Unit to smash a side window to gain access.A spokesperson for the beat team warned "a car can become as hot as an oven" even in April when the weather doesn't feel that warm. The advice comes as BBC forecasters predict sunshine and highs of 20C (68F) in parts of said the "friendly fella" was freed and taken away, with a message left for the owner. A spokesperson said: "Many people think it's okay to leave their dog in the car if they're parked in the shade or the windows are open."When it's 22 degrees outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour."It's very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm."The RSPCA recommends anyone seeing a dog inside a vehicle showing signs of heatstroke to call 999.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
‘Amazing' police pup duo and handler who ran into burning building retire
A SUCCESSFUL police pup duo, along with their handler, who ran into a burning building to rescue members of the public, have retired from duty. Police dogs Peanut and Tyrion have retired this week alongside their handler, PC Paul Howes, who has been with the dog unit at West Midlands Police for 20 years. The trio have been involved in 'hundreds' of incidents protecting the public and detaining suspects over the years, with PC Howes having run into a burning building to rescue members of the public last year. Tyrion, a general purpose dog who was part of the force's 'Game of Thrones' litter, is retiring at age seven after having captured many running suspects over the years. Peanut was a drugs trained dog who has been involved in countless operations, including Project Servator, Op Advance and dozens of successful searches over the years. Inspector Leanne Chapman from the Dog Unit, said: "PC Howes and his dogs Peanut and Tyrion are a great team and will be missed. 'They have given their everything to protecting the West Midlands. 'PC Howes and Tyrion have been involved in detaining countless offenders and Peanut has had some very successful finds. "We couldn't do this job without our amazing dogs. They protect the public every single day. 'I hope the three of them have a well-rested retirement. They have earned it.'
