I joined the fire service in 1977 and have worked mainly in operations with five years in training school. I am currently working in Technical fire safety based in the centre of Southampton where I hold the rank of a Station Officer.

I was luck enough to be selected to join the Hampshire Dog team this year along with Willy and Mick.

I collected my dog Byron a border collie in May from the same kennels as John and Darcy from Essex. He was born on the 12/01/05. Bryon has settled in well to the family home with my two other border collies Barley and Rye, and already Byron is laying down the law to the other two.

I would like to thank Chris Pritchard and Steve Hogg for there help and expert advice in selecting Byron. I am currently doing obedience work and socialising at every opportunity with Bryon

Bryon is now 19 months old and really enjoying his searches. He is a strong character and obedience sessions are always fun with him. We have both taken part in training exercises with the Hampshire U.S.A.R. team I am not sure which parts of the training he enjoys more the searches, hanging from ropes or the fuss made of him by the team members.

I must thank the following for there help in the training of Bryon. Bossington Farm Estates for the use of land, Winchester City dog training club for the obedience training, my wife, son and daughter and all the personnel (and their children) from Hampshire Fire & Rescue (especially the girls in finance and technical fire safety) who have hidden in various strange locations around Hampshire, just so a dog can bark at them.

And finally but no means last all the other dog handlers for honest advice particularly Chris, Doc, Neil, Arwel and Steve who come to the training sessions and never seem to work their own dogs.