A dog unit manager with an astounding 50 years of service has been recognised for his dedication and contribution with the prestigious National Police Chief Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dog Unit Sergeant Ian Partington, who is preparing for retirement this summer, received the honour in recognition of his remarkable career with both Merseyside Police and Wiltshire Police.
Partington’s journey began in 1975 when he joined Merseyside Police. He remained in front-line operational roles, serving in response policing and the Merseyside full-time Territorial Support Group (TSG). He rose to the rank of sergeant in 1986 while in the TSG, and in 1992, he entered the specialist world of the Merseyside Dog Section.
During his time there, he was deployed to numerous high-threat and high-risk situations, including the Toxteth Riots, the violent confrontation in Orgreave during the Miners' Strike, and an IRA bomb threat at the Grand National in 1997.
In 1998, Partington transferred to Wiltshire Police as the Dog Section Sergeant. He continued as a serving handler with various types of police dogs and also took on the responsibility of force dog trainer while holding the ranks of sergeant and inspector. Throughout his career with both forces, he participated in thousands of operational incidents, provided mutual aid support, and contributed to national high-profile events and # operations.
After 31 years as a police officer, Partington retired in 2006 but continued his passion by becoming the dog section trainer. In 2014, he expanded his role to become the dog trainer for the Tri-Force Specialist Operations, a collaborative effort involving Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire Police.
Partington's influence extends beyond training handlers; he also mentored trainers, many of whom continue to serve across the three police forces. He has been an active member of the National Police Chief's Council working groups dedicated to this specialised area of policing.
Superintendent Steve Cox nominated Partington for the award, stating, "Ian takes immense pride that he has passed and continues to pass on his years of knowledge and skills, and nothing gives him more pleasure than seeing his handlers having successful deployments, winning awards at trials, and quite simply watching them develop and improve.
"Ian has dedicated 50 years of his life to the police service, 31 years as a police officer, 19 years as a civilian member of staff, and, amazingly, 33 years within the Dog Section specialism.
"Ian is an amazing person; he is passionate and hard-working, and to this date, he continues to deliver his role to the highest standards."
Partington received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Police Dog Trials earlier this month. He is now preparing to enjoy a well-deserved retirement in the summer, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in police dog handling and training.
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