West Midlands Fire Service welcome a new four-legged recruit
West Midlands Fire Service has welcomed its newest recruit, Holly, a four-year-old working cocker spaniel
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has welcomed its newest recruit, Holly, a four-year-old working cocker spaniel.
Holly will now be deployed to fire scenes to detect traces of ignitable liquids and assist fire investigating officers in the determination of whether blazes have been intentionally started.
Holly’s training programme utilised positive reward as a training method where dogs are rewarded for finding a specific scent, using high-value items like treats or toys, to reinforce the search behaviour and build motivation.
Her training and subsequent licensing examination included several specialist exercises that replicated real-life scenes which she now explores.
Annette, from WMFS, said: “When the opportunity arose to take on the role of Fire Investigation Dog Handler, I knew it was something I had to apply for!
“I’ve seen just how much value detection dogs bring to the organisation and combining my love of dogs in my role was the perfect scenario.
“I can honestly say that Holly makes every working day a brighter one! The only thing that takes a little longer are my walks through HQ as everyone now stops to say hello and get their Holly fix!”
Holly has joined West Midlands Fire Service as the former Fire Investigation Dog Handler Alex Daw, retires.
Alex joined West Midlands Fire Service in July 1995, serving at Erdington, Canley, Binley, Coventry and Solihull stations, before starting in Fire Investigation in 2021.
He took on the role of dog handler to ‘Giddy’ in 2023.
Alex said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the fire service, working with different teams and taking on new challenges. Wherever I’ve been, I’ve always felt lucky to be surrounded by brilliant people.”
“You get all sorts of quirky jobs, I can remember someone getting their foot stuck in a bar tap once, but there are also the difficult jobs, when you can’t help the person involved, but you do everything you can to support their family, and that’s always stayed with me.”
“When the opportunity came to become a fire dog handler, it wasn’t something I’d planned, but looking back, it was probably the best decision of my life and Giddy has become part of the family. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to serve with West Midlands Fire Service.”
Station Commander Matt Ling, said: “Bringing Holly up-to-speed alongside Alex’s service coming to an end was a decision that made sense to everyone.
"It meant Annette could learn from Alex and Giddy, and lean on their experience as she ably made her way through the training programme, which she passed with flying colours.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Holly and Annette working with us, but our thanks must go to Alex and Giddy, who have been excellent during their time in the department.
“We wish them both a happy and healthy retirement”.