Wiltshire's Police Dog trainer bow-wows out with a national award

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 16:33

A retiring dog unit manager with 50 years of service has been recognised with a national award.

Ian Partington was awarded the 'National Police Chief Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award' at this month's National Police Dog Trials.

Ian joined the police service in Liverpool 50 years ago. In 1986 Ian was promoted to sergeant and six years later he entered into the specialism of the Merseyside Dog Section.

Ian transferred to Wiltshire Police in 1998 as the Dog Section Sergeant and remained in the Dog Section as a serving handler with all types of police dogs, in addition to being a 'deployable handler'.

In 2006, after 31 years of service, Ian retired as a police officer and became the dog section trainer, continuing the role he loved so much.

Ian took on the role of dog trainer in 2014 for the Tri-Force Specialist Operations, a collaboration of specialist operations across Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Police.

A statement from Wiltshire Police says, "Ian was instrumental in not only training dog handlers but also the trainers, many of whom train to this day across three police forces. Throughout this time, Ian has been an active member of the National Police Chief's Council working groups surrounding this area of policing".

Superintendent Steve Cox recommended Ian for the National award added, "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 has dedicated 50 years of his life to the police service, 31 years as a police officer, 19 years as a civilian member of staff, and, amazingly, 33 years within the Dog Section specialism.

"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."

Ian was honoured with the award at the National Police Dog Trials earlier this month and is set to enjoy a well-earned retirement in the summer.