Special Team Award

Fire and Rescue Dogs, Ginny & Barney with Handlers, Dave Coss & Tim Marston

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Dave and Tim are our Fire Investigation Dog Handlers, employed by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, but funded by and serve the East Midlands Region (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire). This Fire Investigation Dog Team have shown exceptional professionalism, dedication and are an outstanding contribution to Fire Investigation and wider criminal justice outcomes.

Since 2022, their work has directly contributed to convictions, totalling in excess of 411 years, demonstrating the significant impact their expertise has had on securing justice. Notably, they played a pivotal role in supporting a murder investigation that resulted in the longest sentence for arson murder of 44 years. In this case, both handlers and their dogs were strategically deployed separately to eliminate any risk of cross contamination, showcasing their meticulous attention to evidential integrity and best practice.

Despite operating as a job-share arrangement, they provide and exceptional level of service, maintaining 24-hour cover and averaging approximately 360 operational days per year between just TWO individuals! This level of resilience, commitment and reliability is truly outstanding and far exceeds expectations.

In addition to operational excellence, they play a vital role in developing Tier One Fire Investigators, training between 100-150 Firefighters and CSI’s per year, strengthen Fire Investigation skills and awareness across the East Midlands Region.

Dave and Tim also actively contribute to university-led research projects, continually helping to develop new insights and expand scientific understanding of this specialist field and the capabilities of their highly trained dogs. Their influence extends beyond the East Midlands Region, as they routinely assist and support other Fire and Rescue Services and Police Forces in major crime investigations, including searches for firearms where ignitable liquid has been used, as well as property searches, vehicle searches and open land searches. Their contribution to multi-agency operations is highly valued and demonstrates their versatility and importance beyond Fire Investigation alone.

Recently, the team have also worked with West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service to train and licence their Fire Investigation Dogs, and did so without any charge, supporting effective collaboration and passion for Fire Investigation. Dave and Tim are consistently available, often providing invaluable advice via phone across the region and to Police partners, particularly in relation to Fire Investigation, ignitable liquids and exhibit packaging.

Their commitment, professionalism and dedication to continuous improvement are truly inspiring. They exemplify teamwork, innovation and public service at the highest level, and are thoroughly deserving of recognition through this award. I think I speak on behalf of anyone involved in Fire Investigation when I say it is an absolute privilege to work alongside Dave and Tim, and of course, Ginny and Barney.

Victim Detection Dogs, Maverick & Goose with Handlers, Lindsay Sielski & Niamh Darcy

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue

Maverick and Goose were the first 2 dogs in England, Scotland and Wales to be trained solely on human tissue as Victim Detection Dogs. The two brothers are trained to detect deceased casualties under the rubble and debris – a job no other asset can currently rival.

The brothers are regularly requested to scene to assist the incident commander or tactical advisor to work collapsed structure, burnt out buildings or those without structural integrity. By deploying the dogs into these areas rather than people the handlers and technicians can remain in a safe position.

The dogs regularly working alongside drone assets who inform the handler of the dog’s position and areas the dog can/ cannot access. These two highly valuable assets ensure incidents are resolved safely and effectively and if an area is at distance but of priority the dogs can follow a laser beam to range out unto 100m and search when tasked to do so.

Dog Trainers, Bekki Ford & Jo Pay

Bekki and Jo have been working non-stop to bring Lancashire the next cohort of Well-Being Support Dogs. Through Standard Operating Procedures, Kennel Club licensing and OK9 approval to bring a much needed service to those who need a friendly face and a wagging tail.

Bekki has been the passion and brains behind the Well-being Support program from day one and has brought through 14 dog teams in total to serve the rescuers in their time of need or to keep momentum high.

More recently she has included Jo Pay who has a wealth of dog training knowledge through positive reinforcement and together they make an unstoppable team who’s desire to increase standards, welfare and kindness is second to none.