Pupils from Kapiti Coast’s Paraparaumu Beach Primary School were singled out for special police attention today.
There was no sign of trouble – instead Year 6 pupils helped Wellington Police dog handler Senior Constable Sue Burridge and her canine patrol partner Hades launch a junior fiction book she’s written with a subject matter close to her heart.
‘The Adventures of Police Dog Zeus’ is Senior Constable Burridge’s first book and is published with support from Blue Light, a charitable organisation that works closely with police to run programmes and activities for young people, and one of their supporters Mr David Allan from Jimbo’s Pet Food. Another police officer, Stephen Guy, provided the illustrations.
2000 books have been published by Blue Light and most will be given by police dog handlers to primary school libraries when they visit schools in their districts during the coming months. Some of the books will also be sold through the Blue Light website to help support a second print run.
Senior Constable Burridge, is currently New Zealand’s only female police dog handler. She grew up on a farm near Wairoa in northern Hawke’s Bay and animals, the outdoors and physical work has always been close to her heart – along with a love of reading.
“Books open up so many opportunities. Some books you read to learn facts, gain knowledge or get a better understanding of people and places. Fact, fiction or pure escapism, reading books should be encouraged,” she says.
Senior Constable Burridge and her colleagues are frequently stopped by children, or invited into schools, quizzed about their job, the training involved and if the police dogs live with their handlers.
“I’ve always from primary school days wanted to be a police dog handler. It’s the best job going and although it took me a few years to get there, and a few challenges along the way, I’ve achieved my dream, and the book is all about encouraging children to achieve theirs.”
‘The Adventures of Police Dog Zeus’ is a mix of fact and fiction. Written from the dog’s perspective, it’s up to the reader to guess what is real, what is loosely based on Sue Burridge’s experiences, those of other handlers and what is purely fictitious fun.
The fictional Zeus is a young German Shepherd pup, the runt of the litter, who dreams to be an operational police dog. The plot takes several twists and turns, setbacks and triumphs, as Zeus sets out to achieve his dream. Along the way he conquers fears, learns new skills and understands the importance of teamwork.
“Writing a book has been a learning opportunity for me too,” Sue Burridge says. “I’ve been encouraged throughout by colleagues, family and friends. I also value the support from police, Blue Light and Jimbo’s in printing the book.”
Choosing to launch the book at Paraparaumu Beach School was easy. Nearly two years ago pupils from the school gave Sue Burridge feedback after she and their teacher Mrs Pene Davidson read an early draft to a Year 4 class. Today, 18 of those children who are now in Year 6, took part in celebrating the book’s completion.
Grant Nicholls, Acting Deputy Commissioner: District Operations, praised Senior Constable Burridge for her initiative, and for the Blue Light support. “Dog handlers and their canine partners have a vital role in policing. They’re at the forefront of many difficult situations where their skills, physical fitness and teamwork are critical in getting a result.
“They’re also very popular visitors in schools and in other community visits where the prevention aspect to their work is really valued.”
Brendon Crompton, organisational development manager for Blue Light, said that the book fitted well with Blue Light’s prevention philosophy and works alongside other Blue Light programs which benefit young people.
To purchase a copy of the book visit www.bluelight.co.nz
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Picture: Senior Constable Sue Burridge with her real police dog Hades. Photo: Scott McKinnon
Media contacts:
Kaye Calder, Police Public Affairs, email: kaye.calder@police.govt.nz
or mobile 021 192 2915
Ruth Morse, NZ Blue Light communications and marketing, email: ruth@bluelight.co.nz or 021 263 1415
