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Long-standing GMP dog and handler given ‘outstanding performance’ award

So well deserved.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 23rd July 2024

A long-standing police dog handler and his “trusty companion” have been honoured with an important award for their service.

After what has been described as a year of “outstanding performance”, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has named PC Stuart Oram as its ‘Police’s Tactical Dog Handler of the Year’.

The coveted service award – which is named after GMP Dog Handler Gary Mathieson, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2005 – is given out each year to recognise officers from the force’s Tactical Dog Unit for all their hard work over the last 12 months, and this year, PC Oram has been chosen thanks to his “impressive” efforts alongside police dog Bren.

GMP says this “dynamic duo” have been tackling crime across Greater Manchester together for several years now.

They’ve secured 48 arrests within the past year alone, which is the most in the Tactical Dog Unit.

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PC Oram has been with GMP for almost 25 years, and alongside his day-to-day duties with PD Bren, he is also a National Police Chiefs Council instructor, and this has seen him mentor and train several new dog handlers in GMP.

“It’s a great honour to receive this award,” PC Oram admitted.

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“Having known Gary early in my career, it’s a privilege to accept this trophy. I really enjoy teaching new and established dog teams and seeing their progression.”

Of course though, this award couldn’t have been won without PD Bren, and PC Oram is the first to recognise this and champion his “fantastic partner”, adding that: “[PD Bren] continually surprises me with the results he gets.

“Getting to the national police trials and him still maintaining his work on the streets is outstanding.”

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Inspector Michael Weedon said PC Oram “thoroughly deserves” this award, and everyone at the Tactical Dog Unit is “extremely proud” of him and Bren.

Featured Image – GMP