Thursday, 18 April, 2024

A West Yorkshire Police officer and his dog are celebrating after being awarded the Force’s Dog Handler of the Year Award.  

PC Iain Purcell was given the accolade for his handling of Police Dog Ruudy. 

The pair, who are based at the Force’s Dog Section at Carr Gate, Wakefield, were handed the award by Chief Superintendent Jonathan Arrowsuch, head of the Force’s Operational Support, at a presentation this week.  

Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of the Dog Section, said: “Iain and Ruudy work extremely hard to pursue and detain offenders.  

“Iain works Ruudy extremely well, making the most of Ruudy’s natural tracking abilities – they have brought an impressive number of criminals to justice who would otherwise have evaded capture.”  

“Iain’s commitment to training the dog handlers of the future has also been exemplary – offering guidance and support to new members of the Dog Section.”  

“He is fully deserving of the Dog Handler of the Year Award. I have no doubt that together Iain and Ruudy make the communities of West Yorkshire a safer place.”