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CHRIS PRITCHARD / GEMMA & ELLIOTTI have trained and worked with dogs for many years, serving in the Armed Forces (Infantry) with protection dogs, before specialising as an operational Arms Explosive search dog handler for 5 years. I then transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, where I became an instructor, training handlers and dogs for many different types of operational roles. Since leaving the Armed Forces, I have focused my dog training ability into Search & Rescue dogs. I was instrumental in deploying one of the first Disaster Search & Rescue Dogs from the United Kingdom to a major earthquake abroad (Columbia, 1999) with the charity RAPID UK. Since then, I have also deployed canines to the two Turkish earthquakes of 1999 and the Algerian Earthquake of 2003. I have attended the following
incidents: My current role within the canine world is as the Coordinator for the Fire Service canine teams, and my main role within the Fire Service is in Technical Rescue where I work for Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service. I am not only responsible for
training and working the canines. My role also involves the following
disciplines: These are just a few of the types of incidents that the team are called upon for a local and regional response within the UK. We can also be called to anywhere in the country for an Urban Search & Rescue incident.
20/06/06 update Elliott (nickname "ET") has officially hung up his harness after a long and distinguished career. He was the first USAR trained dog to attend an earthquake overseas with a UK search & rescue team (Rapid UK). He set the standard for other dogs to follow. Elliott will still be seen attending training sessions and some of our shows too, until he decides that he wants to stop at home in his bed instead! 04/05/07 update Chris has now taken on a new dog to train up to replace Elliott. Her name is Abby. He will keep you posted on her progress throughout the coming year.
For further details e-mail Leicestershire Dog Teams. |
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