Wiltshire Dog Unit chief recognised for five decades of policing service
Sergeant Ian Partington has been handed a lifetime achievement award.
A retiring Wiltshire Police sergeant has been recognised for 50 years of policing service with a national award.
Dog Unit Sergeant Ian Partington was told he would be the recipient of the National Police Chief Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sgt Partington was recommended for the award by Superintendent Steve Cox.
Supt Cox said: "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."
Sgt Partington joined Merseyside Police in 1975, before moving to Wiltshire Police in 1998 as the Dog Section Sergeant, having started his work with police dogs in 1992.
During his time with Wiltshire Police, he became both a serving handler and the Force's dog trainer, whilst holding the ranks of sergeant and inspector.
After 31 years of service, Sgt Partington retired as a police officer to become the dog section trainer, playing a major role in training not only the Force's canines but also the officers who work with them.
Supt Cox added: "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."
Sgt Partington was handed his award at the National Police Dog Trials earlier this month.