Tuesday, November 7, 2023, marks a significant milestone as the regional Fire Investigation Dog Unit in Nottinghamshire celebrates its first anniversary. Comprising two dedicated canine officers and their handlers, this specialized unit has made a remarkable impact on fire investigations and safety awareness throughout the East Midlands and beyond.

The dynamic duo of Dave Coss and Ginny, along with Tim Marston and Barney, have been working in unison as a formidable team for the past year, showcasing the indispensable role that highly trained fire investigation dogs can play in solving cases and promoting fire safety.

A Year of Achievements

In the twelve months since its inception, the Fire Investigation Dog Unit has achieved several notable milestones and contributions to the community:

1. Incident Response: The unit has responded to a staggering 200 incidents, providing invaluable assistance to Tier 2 Fire Investigations not only within the East Midlands but also extending their support to neighbouring regions.
2. Crime-Solving Prowess: Through their involvement in joint investigations alongside law enforcement and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) teams, Barney, Ginny, and their late colleague Dexter (January to April, now retired) have secured critical evidence leading to the imposition of over 109 years’ worth of combined custodial sentences for arsonists in the East Midlands and Staffordshire.
3. Expanding the Team: The unit has successfully trained three new dogs this year, including Barney, Ginny, and Giddy, who will serve the West Midlands Fire Service in their fire investigations.
4. Regional Reach: Investigations conducted during the 2022/2023 period have extended as far as Hereford and Worcester, the West Midlands, Staffordshire, and Northamptonshire, underscoring the unit’s flexibility and commitment.
5. National Recognition: The team has made appearances on BBC Crimewatch twice this year, showcasing their expertise and dedication. They have also attended National Fire Investigation Dog Handler’s Association training events across the UK, with Tim Marston holding a committee position to represent and support fire investigation dog teams nationwide.
6. Training and Education: Tim and Dave have taken the lead in running regional Tier 1 Fire Investigation courses. Over 130 fire personnel have attended or are scheduled to attend the two-day course in 2023, emphasizing the unit’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and professional development.
7. Community Engagement: In an effort to promote fire safety awareness, the team has volunteered their time at 17 open days across the region this year, engaging with the public and fostering a safer environment.

The Fire Investigation Dog Unit’s dedication and accomplishments underscore the vital role that these four-legged heroes play in solving crimes, ensuring justice is served, and fostering a heightened awareness of fire safety within the community.

As they commemorate their first anniversary, the unit looks forward to continuing their invaluable work in the years to come, making our communities safer and more secure through their unwavering commitment to their important mission.