Our Trustees
Adrian Hanstock QPM CD FIoD and founding trustee served as a police officer for more than thirty-five years in three police forces; Nottinghamshire Constabulary, the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police where he held the senior appointments of Deputy Chief Constable and latterly, interim Chief Constable.
He is a qualified Chartered Company Director, a graduate of the FBI Executive Law-Enforcement Leadership Programme and alumnus of the Windsor Leadership Trust.
Adrian is a strong advocate of the valuable role that police dogs offer in protecting the public and disrupting crime and is proud to be a founding trustee of the Rail Dogs Fund.
Adrian Hanstock QPM - Founding Trustee
PC Neil Billany joined the British Transport Police in 2004 and the joined the Dog Section in 2009 as an Explosive Search Dog Handler where he licensed with his first police dog Max.
In his time on the dog section, Neil has handled six licensed police dogs in Explosive Search, General Purpose and Tactical Firearms Support.
Neil wanted to become part of the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund after the help they gave him when his retired police dog Max become unwell and was struggling to pay for his care.
‘I hope I can help others in the same way’.
Neil Billany - Trustee
PC Daniel Nagle has worked in policing since 2007 and has been an operational dog handler since 2018. He currently handles a Springador called Axel which he raised from a puppy. Axel took over from his big brother Bailey when he retired in 2022.
Daniel was grateful to be added to the charity and is keen to connect with the families of our retired hero's. He wants to add value and support to the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund by creating a friendly community.
Daniel Nagle - Trustee
PC Chris Potter has served in the British Transport Police since 2013.
Chris joined as a PC at BTP Leicester and then moved to the East Midlands Operational Support Unit before then realising his calling to become a dog handler.
He has been an operational dog handler since 2019 and currently handles his first dog, a Springador called Buddy.
Buddy is an Explosive Detection Dog and has seen operational duties covering events such as the G7 Summit, COP 26, The Commonwealth Games and many royal visits and engagements including search duties on board the Royal Train.
Chris Potter - Trustee
PC Donovan Flores joined British Transport Police in 2008 and has worked in a variety of roles including neighbourhood policing, partnerships, and CID.
He has been an operational dog handler since 2021 and currently handles a Labrador named Tara, who is an Explosives Search Dog.
Don is extremely proud to have joined the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund as a trustee and hopes to bring his experience of establishing links with partner agencies to the charity, in order to ensure we are in the best position to support retired dogs going forward.
Donovan Flores - Trustee
PC Steven Davies has served in the British Transport Police since 2005.
He has been an operational dog handler since 2020 and currently handles his first dog, a Labrador called Freddie.
During Steve's 18-year service as an operational officer he has guided over 80 new officers through their probationary period as either a Tutor Constable or an Assessor.
Steve has received a commendation for his brave actions during the 2007 Grayrigg rail disaster and states being a police dog handler is his dream job and it is a great honour to be a Trustee for the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund
Steven Davies - Trustee
Former Trustees
PC Paul Wood has served in the British Transport Police dog section for 22 years. During that time he has worked 3 German Shepherds & a Border Collie, Charlie, who was retired at 9 years.
He has been involved in the Battersea Dogs Home display at Crufts & appeared in TV series, “Send in the Dogs”.
Paul has received 2 commendations and a medal for long service. He now works alongside PD Albert & is proud to be a trustee of Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund
Paul Wood - Founding Trustee
Harriet has worked for the British Transport Police and the Authority since 2015. As Deputy Director, Financial Control Harriet ensures that the Force’s financial reports are compliant with the appropriate frameworks and accounting policies. Before BTP; Harriet worked for EY where she specialised in auditing charitable fund accounts.
Harriet was delighted to be asked to be part of setting up the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund. She is looking forward to using her financial expertise to ensure the Fund can support as many retired rail dogs as possible
Harriet Andrews - Founding Trustee
PC Tom Davies has worked in policing since 2005 and has been an operational dog handler since 2013. He currently handles a German Shepherd called Timor, with the team specialising in firearms support. Tom is the youngest trainer within the dog section and enjoys the challenges of bringing on potential police puppies and developing existing dog teams.
As a strong advocate of the dog sections work and a founding member of the fund Tom is extremely humbled to be a trustee of the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund
Thomas Davies - Founding Trustee
Ambassador & Supporters
Debbie Arnold - AMBASSADOR
Debbie is an actress, an author, an altruist, a writer and a voice artist. She has raised millions for charity; everything from Medical Detection Dogs to Premature Babies. She is currently Ambassador of the National Bullying Helpline. Apart from a distinguished stage and voice-over career she has appeared in every UK TV soap in the over the last 30 years as a regular character.
Beverley Craven - SUPPORTER
Beverley became a household name in the early 90's with the release of her eponymous debut album which became a worldwide hit, selling more than two million copies. Her ballad 'Promise Me' reached number 3 in the UK charts. Since then she has gone on to record five further albums
Julia Fordham - SUPPORTER
Julia began her career performing backing vocals for singers including Kim Wilde and Mari Wilson before achieving success as a solo artist with her track 'Happy Ever After'. She has achieved four top 40 albums and collaborated with various artists such as Michael McDonald.
Judie Tzuke - SUPPORTER
Judie is one of the UK’s most unique singer songwriters. She had an international hit with her 1979 track 'Stay With Me Til Dawn', and has seven top 40 albums to her name. She continues to tour, having supported Elton John and performed at Glastonbury.
Judi James - SUPPORTER
Judi is an author and body-language expert who regular appears on our screens offering insights into the social behaviour of politicians, celebrities and people involved in events of public interest. Judi has published 26 books, both fiction and non-fiction, and advises organisations on workplace culture and effective leadership practice. She is delighted to support the work of the Rail Dogs Fund.
Harriet Thorpe - SUPPORTER
Harriet Thorpe is an English actress who trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama. Harriet is known and loved for her roles in the British sitcoms, The Brittas Empire and Absolutely Fabulous and has also starred in the West End musicals, Cabaret, Wicked and Mamma Mia!.
Together with Debbie Arnold, Sherrie Hewson and Dee Anderson she is one quarter of the “Amazing Wonderbirds” who have warmly embraced the Rail Dogs Fund and actively promote our aims.
Sherrie Hewson - SUPPORTER
Sherrie Hewson is an English actress, television personality and novelist. She is known for her roles on the ITV soap operas Coronation Street, Crossroads (2001–2003) and Emmerdale.
She was a panellist on lunchtime chat show Loose Women and played Joyce Temple-Savage in the ITV sitcom Benidorm.
In 2015, she came sixth place in Celebrity Big Brother!
Dee Anderson - SUPPORTER
Dee has appeared in numerous television and theatre productions across the UK and worked alongside legendary actors and performers as an Actress, Singer and Dancer. Dee’s first Television appearance was at the age of 8 when she starred in a TV commercial for ‘Blue Cap’ cheese. Dee has appeared in iconic television productions such as The Bill and London’s Burning.
Dee is the daughter of the famous husband and wife team Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the creators of the cult television series Thunderbirds, Stingray, Fireball XL5, Joe 90, Captain Scarlet and Space 1999.
Our Dogs
Pluto
Meet 8 year old RPD Pluto who served with the British Transport Police from 2015-2022 as a general purpose dog. Pluto who has recently retired last year lives at home with his handler and family.
Zara
.RPD Zara is one of our recently retired police dogs who was based in London. Zara was commended & awarded a PDSA medal for her participation in the 2017 London Bridge terror attacks.
Today Zara loves nothing more than long walks & play fighting with her brother PD Rocky.
Kaiser
7 year old Kaiser joined the British Transport Police in 2015 and was based in London as a general purpose dog.
In 2022 Kaiser retired with his handler to their family home.
Rex
7 Year old RPD Rex a Dutch Herder who joined the British Transport Police in 2016 as a general purpose crime fighter!
Rex retired in 2022 and lives at home with his handler and family
Bob
RPD Bob started his British Transport Police career in 2015 licensing as an Explosive search dog based in London. Bob retired in 2020 to his handler.
Bob will be 10 this year and is enjoying retired life at home with his family
Rufus
RPD Rufus worked for the British Transport Police from 2007 as a drugs dog.
Rufus retired in 2013 to a lovely family who live in the Shetland Islands.
Robbie
11 year old Sprocker Spaniel RPD Robbie worked for the British Transport Police from 2014-2019 as a proactive explosive search dog.
Robbie has the secret of eternal youth. People commonly mistake Robbie to be a puppy.
Robbie now enjoys summer days away in his camper van and will expect belly rubs from anyone that says hello.
Bennii
Bennii GSD crossed with a Belgian Malinois Born August 2013 served with The British Transport Police from 05/2015 before retiring in 10/2022 to live with his handler Bennii took to the roll of GPD and later became a Firearms Support Dog
Bennii now likes to be pampered as if he was at the salon… wash groom and blow dry!!! Hopefully the best life his handler could give him
Harry
RPD Harry - explosive search dog (ESD) served with the British Transport Police from 2018 before retiring in 2022 to live with his handler.
He was a dog that had his one style and attitude, he did everything his way and at his pace.
During his service he worked up and down the country searching venues, locations and buildings.
Harry was very good at getting your attention and then making you fuss him, a great way to meet new people.
After retirement he has not stopped demanding a fuss. He has made a chair his own and loves to curl up in it after his daily 4 mile walks.
Oscar
Oscar licensed with The British Transport in 2015 alongside his handler PC Gibbins and was in based in London. Oscar was amongst the dogs that were awarded a PDSA Medal for his work during the London Bridge terror attacks in 2017.
Oscar has now comfortably settled into his new lifestyle. After waving mum and PD Polly off to work he heads straight for the sofa for a well-earned nap.
Bailey
RPD Bailey joined the British Transport Police in 2018 and was trained as an Explosive Search Dog based in London.
In 2022, Bailey retired and now lives at home with his loving family
Timor
Timor, a very handsome German Shepherd was born in 2011 and join the British Transport Police in 2013 where he was trained as a General Purpose dog, based in Birmingham.
Timor served for 7 years, retiring in 2021 and now lived with his owner Tom Davies and loving family
Belle
Belle, a beautiful German Shepherd joined the British Transport Police as a General Purpose dog based in Scotland. In 2022, Belle retired from service and now lives with Katrina and her loving family
Chris
Chris was born in 2009 and joining the British Transport Police in 2011 as an Explosive Search dog based in London.
Chris retired in 2016 after 5 years service and is now enjoying retirement with Paul and his loving family
Heidi
Heidi, born in 2008, joined the British Transport Police in 2009 and was trained to detect cash, drugs and firearms.
Heidi was based in the London area and retired from service in 2012
Now enjoying retirement, Heidi lives with Matt and his loving family
Elvis
Elvis joined the British Transport Police in 2018 and was trained as an explosive search dog.
Based in Manchester, Elvis retired from service and lives with his handler Annamarie and RPD Ollie
Frank
Frank, a German Shepherd joined the British Transport Police in 2018 and was trained as a General Purpose dog based in London.
Frank retired in 2022 and lives with Annmarie and her loving family
Floyd
Floyd joined the British Transport Police in 2013 and was trained as an explosive search dog. He was based in Scotland until his retirement in 2022.
Floyd lives with his handler Victoria and RPD Pep and is enjoying his retirement
Max
Max, a Labrador joined the British Transport Police in 2013 and was trained a a drugs detection dog. Max was based in the London area.
Max retired from service and lives with John and his loving family
Astra
Astra, born in 2014 is a Belgium Malinois who joined the British Transport Police in 2015. Astra was trained as a General Purpose and firearms support dog based in the London area.
Astra retired from service in 2023 after 8 years service and lives with her handler Andrew and his loving family
Joker
Joker joined the British Transport Police in 2017 and was trained as a General Purpose dog based in Scotland.
Having served for 6 years, Joker retired in 2023 and lives with his handler Robert and RPD Polly
Polly
Polly, an English Springer Spaniel joined the British Transport Police in 2016 and was trained as an explosive search dog.
Polly was based in Scotland until her retirement in 2023. She lives with her handler Robert and RPD Joker
Kooper
PD Kooper retires from service today after a distinguished 8 years. Kooper has been by the side of PC Harvey for 9 years,a great police dog, feared by those who stood against him, loved by those who stood with him. Here's to a long & happy retirement RPD Kooper 2015-2023
Sammy
Happy Retirement to PD Sammy who has worked her last shift as a British Transport Police general purpose dog.
Sammy will now enjoy a well earned rest at home with her handler
Dottie
Dottie, a beautiful English springer spaniel joined the British Transport Police in 2018 and trained as an Explosive Search Dog
She was based at Manchester with her handler PC Glynn Lloyd and was well known by colleagues and rail staff for being immensely loyal to PC Lloyd.
Dottie performed her service with bravery, looking after the public, railway staff and some very important people like Queen Elizabeth.
In 2024, Dottie retired and now lives at home with Glynn and his family
IN MEMORY
This page is dedicated to the brave dogs that have crossed the rainbow bridge. We thank them for the service they gave and we are forever grateful for having them in our lives.
REST EASY MY FRIEND
MAX
On Friday 9th of June 2023, 15 Year old RPD Max sadly passed over the rainbow bridge. Our thoughts are with Keith and his family. Max worked with the British Transport Police from 2008-2013 as an explosive search dog.
Max had a great career and worked hard through the London 2012 Olympic Games
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Max
MIA
12 year old RPD Mia crossed over the rainbow bridge on Wednesday 7th June 2023. Our thoughts are with Karen, Wayne and their family who looked after Mia when she retired from operational service with the British Transport Police
Mia worked as a general purpose dog with PC Colin Fowler. When Mia retired she became best friends with Luna and the two were inseparable.
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Mia
CHESTER
April 2023 RPD Chester made his journey across the rainbow bridge.
Chester was a well loved pet and will be truly missed by all that knew him. 12 year old Chester served with The British Transport Police from 2014-2017 as an Explosive search dog.
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Chester
DIBBLE
Retired Police Dog Dibble joined The British Transport Police in 2009. He was handled by the dog school supervisor and chief instructor until he retired in 2017.
Dibble was described "A very important part of our family!"
He passed away peacefully at home with his loved ones
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Dibble
BILLY ‘BOMB’ DOG
Billy made his journey across the rainbow bridge in June 2023
13 year old RPD Billy retired from the British Transport Police in 2013.
Billy served as an explosive search dog from 2009.
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Billy
BUDDY
RPD Buddy born 31st March 2009 has crossed over the rainbow bridge on the 17th Aug 2023
A lovely 14 year old black and white Springer Spaniel who joined The British Transport Police as a puppy. PD Buddy passed his first explosive search course at Tadworth dog training school. Buddy at the young age of only 10 months old, partnered alongside his handler PC Dave Jackson. He loved working hard but first & foremost he was a loving family dog who will be very much missed by all who knew him.
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Buddy
OLLIE
Born in 2009, Ollie an English Springer Spaniel joined the British Transport Police in 2010 and served as an explosive search dog for 8 years covering the London area and worked big events such as the 2012 Olympic games
In 2017 Ollie was deployed to the London Bridge terror attack and was awarded a PDSA Order of Merit for Bravery.
In 2018 Ollie was also deployed in the days following the Manchester Arena terror attack
Ollie retired from service in 2018 and lives with his handler Annamarie and retired police dog Elvis
On Monday 27th November 2023 RPD Ollie sadly crossed over the rainbow bridge.
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Ollie
PEP
Pep was an explosive search dog from 2013 to 2015 working across the country. His duties included royal train searches, Glasgow Commonwealth Games & NATO summit in Cardiff. He was a loving dog to everyone who knew him. RPD Pep sadly crossed over the rainbow bridge on Monday 5th February 2024
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Pep
Max
RPD Max has sadly passed over the rainbow bridge.
11 year old Max was a drugs detection dog in the British Transport Police, retiring from service in 2014.
Max stayed with his family when he retired and was adopted by his handlers father. He lived pout his best years as a well loved family pet.
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Max
Marci
Marci has sadly passed over the rainbow bridge.
Our thoughts are with the Dean family and Marci’s handler PS Billany.
Marci retired in the British Transport Police in 2022 as a general purpose dog working alongside fellow trustee PS Billany. He was awarded the PDSA Order of Merit for his work during the 2017 London Bridge terror attack amongst other well deserved commendations he was awarded during his service.
Marci was adopted by the Dean family after his retirement and enjoyed a happy life with his new loving family especially when he was treated to some pate and toast
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Marci
Scooby
RPD Scooby started his British Transport Police career in 2014 as an explosive search dog.
Scooby preformed with bravery at incidents in Westminster, North Greenwich, Parsons Green, Manchester and London Bridge
Scooby retired after completing his service in 2021 and lived with his handler Mark.
RPD Scooby was one of a few dogs that was commended and awarded a PDSA medal for their work in the 2017 London Bridge terror attacks.
Thank you for your service
Rest Easy Scooby
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