The RAF Police Dog Demonstration Team were one of the biggest crowd pleasers at they showed off their skills at Crufts 2018; the biggest dog show in the world. The atmosphere was electric as the team entered the arena to showcase their dog agility, obedience and specialist skills in front of an audience of over 8000 dog lovers. The deafening cheers and applause from the audience showed how much they enjoy their display. Often they were so loud you could barely hear the commentary from the team manager Sgt Jimi Thomas.
The 10-strong RAF Police handlers and their dogs are a part time capability that has formed to support the RAF 100 campaign. Serving at RAF Brize Norton, Northolt, Marham, Leeming, Waddington, the High Readiness Dog Unit at Henlow and with support staff from 1 Tactical Police Support Sqn at RAF Honington.
The displays lasted 25 minutes finishing with the salute being taken by AOC 2 Gp, Air Vice Marshal David Cooper.
AVM Cooper congratulated the team and said:
“You delivered a fantastic performance, especially as a lot of work for it has been done in your own time around your normal day roles."
WO Phil Brown, technical director of the RAF Police Dogs Demonstration Team explained that due to operational requirements the team formed 8 weeks ago; normally they would work together for a least 6 months!
He said:
“I didn’t think it could be done in such a short space of time but they proved me wrong and I am very proud of them.
“It’s very special to be here. As well as celebrating the RAF’s centenary, this year is also the RAF Police’s 100th anniversary and we’re celebrating 80 years of police dogs on duty.”
Team Leader Cpl Leanne Hallworth who is partnered with RAF police dog Tornado said:
“We have all worked really hard to gel as a team and I think that shone through in each performance”
