Two new police dog handlers are heading to the Bay of Plenty after graduating from the Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham, Upper Hutt.

Senior Constable Walter Treviranus with police dog Ultrah heads to Rotorua, while Constable Max Wealleans, who has six years’ experience policing, will head to Tauranga with his dog Phelix.

Treviranus and Wealleans joined two other teams in graduating from the centre this week.

The teams celebrated the occasion in front of whānau and friends, the New Zealand Police executive, and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell.

Commissioner Richard Chambers congratulated them all on their achievements.

“It’s a proud day for all four teams, both experienced and new. This ceremony marks the end of your formal training to become an operational team and signals the next step toward frontline duties,” said Chambers.

“Patrol dog work is one of the most physically demanding roles in police and we are grateful for all your work.

“Our new graduates are a significant boost to our front-line capacity, and we are proud to have them join us.”

Graduating from the police patrol dog course are three first-time handlers and one experienced handler with the teams deployed to Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato districts.

Wealleans got his dream job on dog section last year, taking on Phelix a few months ago.

“I’m thankful for all the help and training from my colleagues at the Coastal Bay of Plenty Dog Section,” said Wealleans.

“Now I am excited to get back on the street and support the frontline with Phelix.”

Police dogs national co-ordinator Inspector Todd Southall thanked the teams for the work they have undertaken to get to where they are today.

“You have done so much training in your career already - and to commit yourself to further training in support of your community, thank you for what you have undertaken.

“Although you will be out on the road, the training does not stop, with further opportunities for you and your dog to attend and qualify to join other specialist squads.

“All our patrol dog teams play a crucial role in the way we police often unstable and precarious situations. Dog teams are essentially a first call to action for the frontline,” said Southall.