Source: New Zealand Police
After several weeks of training, two front line Patrol Dog teams and two Detector Dog teams celebrated today at a ceremony formally recognising their graduation to become working police dog teams.
“It’s a proud day for the graduates and the families of all four dog teams. The training has been busy and demanding for the handlers, but they’re all extremely competent, effective, and have demonstrated resolve,” says Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator of New Zealand Police Dogs.
The ceremony was hosted at the Dog Training Centre in Trentham and was attended by Commissioner Richard Chambers and members of the Police executive alongside families, and friends.
The teams who start in their districts next week include one heading to Eastern, two heading to the Bay of Plenty, and one to Wellington District.
Senior Constable Matt Thomas and his first operational dog ‘Rick’ are from Eastern District. Matt joined police 16 years ago and has worked frontline duties such as Public Safety Teams and Team Policing. Fifteen-month-old Rick’s favourite thing to do is swim in the river, however he’s also keen on chewing the garden hose and the broom during kennel cleaning,” says Matt.
Senior Constable Stu Palmer and his third operational dog called ‘Ridge’ are heading back to Bay of Plenty District to Rotorua. Stu’s been policing for 14 years, has worked in both Taupo and Rotorua in public safety and road policing roles.
Another team bound for Rotorua is Senior Constable Chrissy Lunt and detector dog ‘Vegas’. Chrissy’s career spans an impressive 30 years with 15 of them as a qualified detective. Vegas is her second operational dog and he enjoys playing with pinecones and tennis balls.
Senior Constable Andrew Douglas is graduating with his eighth dog – detector dog ‘Wutang’ and they head back to Wellington District where he’s policed for the past 23 years. Andrew was previously qualified as an AOS and STG dog handler.
Inspector Southall says, “These partnerships are without a doubt invaluable at both the operational and strategic level, and New Zealand Police is always very pleased to see new dog teams heading out in to their communities.
“I’m proud of our dog section staff who train our handlers and dogs throughout the country,” says Todd.
The passion these staff have for their work is extraordinary and it makes my job a whole lot easier. I’d like to thank everybody who contributes to the success of all our dog sections,” he says.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
