DERBYSHIRE: Dog van donation to rescuers

Derby Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) recently took delivery of a dog transport van courtesy of Derbyshire Constabulary.

The van had previously been used by the force’s drugs control unit for transporting their sniffer dogs, but had been decommissioned and retired from active service.

It had been due to be auctioned off, but Detective Constable Phil Lucas, a keen hill walker, suggested that the van, worth around £2,000, could be of use to the voluntary mountain rescue team and contacted Chief Constable Mick Creedon and Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Charles to suggest that the vehicle was given to the team as thanks for their service to the force over the years.

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Mr. Creedon and Mr. Charles both agreed with the suggestion and the van was consequently presented to representatives from the team at the force’s Ripley headquarters, where Mr Charles handed over the keys to the rescue team’s dog handler, Rich Warriner.

The van will be used by Mr, Warriner to transport trainee search dog Elf to training and callouts. Elf is a four year old rough haired collie, currently reaching the final stages of his training. Once fully graded, he will accompany the Derby team and other mountain rescue teams within the Peak District and beyond on searches for missing and vulnerable people.

DMRT Team Leader Steve Hilditch said: “It’s great that Derbyshire police have chosen to give us this vehicle. It will compliment our current two team vehicles and we’re delighted with the donation.”

Commissioner Alan Charles said: “I think donating a £2,000 van is a small price to pay for the expert service they offer to the people of Derbyshire.”