CHARITY Photo – Thin Blue Paw Foundation
Photo – PFEW
works with his police dogs. “I know that the work I do makes a difference. We’re very good at getting results whether in searches, public order or as backup for jobs that come in. Both of the dogs are great at what they do but I know a few of my colleagues have been especially pleased to see me and Eddie turn up in support to an incident they are dealing with,” he added.
Andy shared experience of some of the incidents he’s
attended, and shared how a handler forms bond with their animal: “Eddie and I were paired four years ago, and he will work until he is 8 years old. After that he will come to live with our family for his retirement. He already lives here with us and although he does not come into the house, he’s still part of our family, we just happen to work together too,” Andy said. The bond grows over time as you might expect but this special working partnership has also been recognised by an award presented to them by the ‘Thin Blue Paw Foundation’. Andy received the ‘Rising Star’ award about which he said: “I feel honoured to be considered for it and to be presented with it alongside Eddie who received a special medal too. It meant a lot! My dad also received similar recognition and so it felt extra special for our family when the award was announced,” Andy added.
Andy and his wife Rebecca (also a serving police officer) have two young children and they have just welcomed a new family dog into the home as well! Mabel is a ‘springerdoodle’ pup and she lives alongside Eddie and Holly. As we wrapped up our interview, Andy was keen to emphasise not just his role as a member of the TDU but also his experience in joining it. “I think any officer who may be thinking of specialising in one particular aspect of policing should definitely go for it. Make the necessary enquiries and then start pulling together the working examples to bolster your application. There’s a lot of variety within various policing roles and I really enjoy the work and training I do with both Eddie and Holly,” Andy explained.
49 | POLICE | APRIL | 2024
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