From rescue to rookie: meet Chester, our newest recruit!

Graduation Day for our newest police pups! 🐾🎓

A dog found through a social media appeal is now officially part of the team! Chester, along with five other incredible dogs and their handlers, were recognised at a passing out ceremony yesterday (Thursday 24 April) at the Wilfred Fuller Centre in Clevedon.

After eight weeks of intensive training, including a final assessment earlier this week, all six new recruits—four specialist search dogs and two general purpose dogs—passed with flying colours.

Chester’s story is a special one. Earlier this year, we shared a post looking for a "ball-mad dog with a keen sense of smell" to fill the last space on our Specialist Search Dog Training course. Katie Ballance, from near Coventry, saw the appeal and knew just the pup for the job.

She said: “Chester came to us from a friend who rescued him. He was restless but clearly had a sharp nose. When I saw the appeal, I contacted Paul Hilder at Avon and Somerset Police. Two days later, he came to visit and Chester was off to his new home.

It makes me so proud to see him in his element—happy, focused, and thriving. While we miss him dearly, we know this life is truly the best thing for him.”

We’re so proud of Chester and all the new police dog graduates. Here’s to long, rewarding careers with their handlers and the communities they’ll serve.

More: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk...