East Midlands Fire Investigation Dog Team Receives National Recognition

Fire Investigation Dogs Ginny and Barney, alongside their handlers, have been named winners of the Special Team Award at the UK Service Dogs Awards 2026.

The awards, held as part of the UK Service Dogs Conference and Awards, celebrate the extraordinary contribution service dogs and their handlers make to communities across the UK.

Working alongside handlers Dave Coss and Tim Marston, Ginny and Barney provide a specialist fire investigation capability across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Together, they support fire and police investigations, helping identify the causes of fires and providing vital evidence in criminal investigations.

Their work has assisted some of the region's most complex investigations, including major arson cases and serious crime enquiries. To ensure evidential integrity, both dogs can be deployed independently, providing fire investigators with an additional level of confidence in their findings.

The team also plays an important role in developing fire investigation expertise across the region, delivering training to firefighters and crime scene investigators, supporting academic research and sharing specialist knowledge with emergency services nationwide.

Speaking about the award, Beth Pearson, Fire Investigation Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I am proud to share that our fire investigation dogs and their handlers, Tim and Dave, have been recognised with a Medal of Honour for their outstanding teamwork and dedication to fire investigation.

“Over the last four years, the team has made a significant contribution to securing 580 years’ worth of custodial sentences in arson cases within the East Midlands since December 2021. This medal is a fitting recognition of the remarkable work the dogs do in helping bring arsonists to justice, alongside the commitment and dedication of their handlers. Together, they play a vital role in protecting our communities and helping to make the East Midlands safer."

The award recognises not only the work of Ginny and Barney, but also the collaboration between the four East Midlands fire and rescue services that benefit from this specialist capability.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Clive Stanbrook, said: "This award is thoroughly deserved and recognises the outstanding work carried out by Ginny and Barney, and of course their handlers Dave and Tim, on behalf of fire and rescue services across the East Midlands.

"Their work has helped support major investigations, secure justice for victims and develop fire investigation expertise across the region and further afield. Having access to such a highly skilled specialist team as a shared resource is invaluable, and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is proud to work alongside them.

“They are great ambassadors for the fire and rescue sector, and this recognition is testament to the impact they make every day."

Although operating as a job-share partnership, Dave and Tim collectively provide around 360 operational days of cover each year, ensuring specialist support is available whenever it is needed.

Steve Ball, Station Manager for Operation Assurance at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We're so proud of our canine colleagues Ginny and Barney, and of their handlers, for winning the UK Service Dogs Award."

"They have assisted our crews on countless occasions and are valued members of our team, as well as the regional team - well done to all."

David Lynch, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to see our regional fire investigation dogs and their trainers recognised with this award. Between their powerful noses and specialist training, these dogs can detect things that we quite simply would never be able find. It makes them such an important part of the team, especially during those tricky investigations.

“They are fantastic dogs and they really are professionals and colleagues in their own right. This award is a fantastic recognition of the important work that they and their handlers do across the East Midlands.”

The recognition reflects both the dedication of the team and the success of the regional partnership that enables this specialist capability to support communities across the East Midlands.