UK first as force named ‘top dog’ in national awards
A dog trainer has become the first police employee in the country to win a prestigious national award.
Dave Raymond, breed scheme manager at West Midlands Police, picked up the annual Killick Award at the recent Crufts exhibition.
The award, which highlights “the exceptional role of dogs in the community”, has previously been given to guide and hearing dogs.
However, this year the panel felt that Mr Raymond’s successful puppy training programme warranted top recognition.
Mr Raymond said: “This is the first time a police force has been presented with the award so it is something I am particularly proud of.
“Police dogs are an important part of the force; they can assist officers in a variety of ways from drug searches, tracing missing people and maintaining crowd control at marches and football grounds.
“We have a great team of dogs and handlers at the unit and I get a great deal of satisfaction hearing about any of our pups who help catch a crook!”
