Two police dogs and their handlers share the national police patrol dog championship for the first time in the competition's history.
Reigning champion Ila and handler Senior Constable Jason Todd from Wellington successfully defended their title today. But this time they share the Frank Riley Championship Cup with first time entrants Turk and Constable Logan Marsh from Tauranga.
Three intense days of competition ended this afternoon for 11 police patrol dog teams, five narcotic dog teams from Police, Customs and Corrections, and five explosives dog teams from Police, Customs and Aviation Security.
Inspector Brendon Gibson, national coordinator of police dogs, said very little separated the top dog teams across all disciplines and all categories. The championship finalists are all operational teams and have been selected from regional trials.
"It's always difficult to predict who wins on the day but consistency and teamwork are essential. The national championships have been held since 1967 and it's the first time there has been a joint winner."
Both patrol dog champions are delighted with their win. Ila went into the competition carrying an injury after she was slashed on the nose three weeks ago.
"It's great to bounce back like this and for her to perform to the level I know she's capable of," said a very pleased Senior Constable Todd. "There was a lot of pressure on and it's a great that we've pulled this off."
Ila, a German Shepherd, is five years old, and has been operational since December 2006. She, like co winner Turk, has been part of the police dog breeding programme.
Constable Logan Marsh from Tauranga is also delighted to share the top title. "It's a great surprise as this is the first time I've made the nationals," he said. "Turk's had some medical challenges in the last year so to reach the finals and then get a title is a special."
Turk, another German Shepherd, is four years old, and he and Constable Marsh have been operational since December 2007. Turk is Constable Marsh's second dog. The pair also won the Williams Rose Bowl for criminal work and building search disciplines.
Third place went to Senior Constable Grant Egan and Butch (Whangarei); fourth and winner of the Commissioner's Cup for obedience work was Senior Constable Mike Warren and Zyger (Hawkes Bay); 5th place and winner of the Monaghan Trophy for heelwork was Constable Gary Meikle and Maverick (Wellington); 6h place and winner of the Colin Guppy Trophy for tracking was Senior Constable Julian Lewis and Saegar (Nelson), and 7th place and winner of the Monaghan Cup for the send away discipline was Constable Blair Benson and Kane (Hawkes Bay).
Championship winners in the other categories were:
• Explosive Detection National Champion and winner of the Aviation Security Shield went to Aviation Security Officer Craig Bishop and Fyfe from Wellington. Fyfe is a curly coated retriever and this was their first win.
• Narcotic Detection Champion and winner of the Alan Symes Cup and the Maidstone Auto Point Cup was Senior Customs Officer Kevin Hatrill and Cass from Christchurch. They retained their national title. Cass is a labrador.
The prizes were presented at the Police Dog Training Centre, Trentham, this afternoon by Police Commissioner Howard Broad. Representatives from the other agencies also attended.
Ends
Media note: The handlers will be returning to their home districts over the next few days. For localised follow up relating to the police dog winners, please contact your local district communications managers; or contact Public Affairs, 04 460 2986.