'He has given his all protecting me at all costs': Handler's emotional tribute as brave police dog retires

A distinguished police dog can finally put his paws up and rest after completing his final shift.

West Mercia Police dog Alvin finished his last operational shift on Friday (September 4).

Alvin and his handler, PC Dan Hines, were recognised as West Mercia’s Dog Team of the year last year.

In a statement confirming a well-earned retirement the force described the partnership as “everything a police dog team should be”.

It said: “Last night marked the end of an incredible chapter as Police Dog Alvin worked his final operational shift alongside his handler and best mate, PC Hines.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Alvin has been at the heart of countless successful deployments, playing a vital role in tracking offenders, locating suspects, protecting officers, and helping deliver justice.

“Together, Alvin and Dan formed one of those partnerships that exemplify everything a police dog team should be.

“Their dedication, trust, and teamwork recently saw them deservedly recognised as Dog Team of the Year, a testament to the outstanding work they have achieved together.

“While Alvin may be hanging up his harness, this is far from goodbye.

“We are delighted that he will be enjoying a well-earned retirement at home with Dan and his family, where he can swap late-night deployments for long walks, plenty of comfort, and the retirement he has truly earned.”

PC Hines delivered an emotional tribute to his four-legged colleague’s efforts over the years, describing him as “an absolute legend”.

He said: “After seven and a half years on the front line, the time has finally come for my best mate, PD Alvin, to put his paws up and enjoy his well-earned retirement.

“It is incredibly difficult to put into words what this dog means to me, both professionally and personally.

“Over the years, Alvin and I have attended countless incidents together, often in challenging and unpredictable circumstances and he has given his all protecting me at all costs.

“Some of the jobs that stand out most include detaining a male who was burgling a pharmacy, apprehending a male who had threatened members of the public with a machete, and numerous occasions where Alvin has chased and detained offenders who have run from stolen vehicles.

“But for me, some of his most important work has been the people he has helped rather than the people he has caught.

“Alvin has been involved in finding numerous vulnerable and missing people who were in desperate need of help.

“Knowing that his incredible nose and determination have helped bring people home safely is something I will always be immensely proud of.

“He has been an exceptional police dog for me and has never failed to give everything he has, regardless of what has been asked of him.

“Alvin has taught me more than I could ever have taught him.

“There is a bond between a handler and their dog that is incredibly difficult to explain to anyone who hasn't experienced it and that's why this retirement is going to be a very emotional one.

“I know Alvin deserves his retirement, and he will now spend his days with me being thoroughly spoilt in his cabin, but I will miss having him beside me at work more than I can put into words.

“There will be other dogs, other jobs and other memories, but there will never be another Alvin. Thank you for everything, mate, you have been an absolute legend.”