AN AWARD-WINNING police dog is set to put up his paws as he settles into retirement.
PD Archer spent his seven-year career detaining suspects, finding drugs and firearms, and representing the force at the National Police Dog Trials.
The eight-year-old German Shepherd who was born on Valentine’s Day, was a graduate from West Midlands Police’s dedicated dog training unit at Balsall Common.
And became an official member of the police team in 2018.
Archer has had a great career involving some real unique finds, including car keys that were hidden in a forest and items from a car used in a fatal collision.
The force said he also has a fantastic track record for tracking suspected burglars and recovering firearms
Last year, Archer and PC Henry represented the force at the National Police Dog Trials in Scotland where they picked up an award for their ‘outstanding enthusiasm and greatest determination’ over the course of the four-day event.
They were also named overall winners at the West Midlands regional round.
Archer will now spend his retirement with PC Henry and his family after the pair developed such a strong bond working with each other.
And as Archer puts his paws up, PC Henry will be joined by Archer’s little brother Axel who has passed his initial course.
PC Mike Henry from the Dog Unit said: “I’m so proud to have worked alongside Archer.
“We have achieved so much as a team and I am happy he gets to enjoy his retirement with me and my family. It’s the perfect time for him to retire, he loves a water fight, playing with the kids in the garden and is partial to sunning himself on a lounger.
“We couldn’t do this job without these courageous dogs. They are amazing at what they do, and I look forward to taking on new challenges with PD Axel.”
PD Archer and his brother Axel will be at the National Police Dog Trials community day this Saturday.
