A bobby is preparing to part with his best friend as Staffordshire Police’s longest-serving police dog heads for retirement.

German Shepherd Kash has worked with Pc Rich Birkin since 2004 but will quit the force in January. The eight-year-old and his handler have picked up commendations for their work, with Kath’s top-notch attitude and work ethic winning plaudits.

Pc Birkin said “Over the years I have built up a very strong bond with Kash. There have been times I have trusted him with my life and he has never let me down, he is always so keen to please.

“Kash is a very experienced dog and the team will really miss him. However, he will remain with me as a family pet. He loves to relax and watch Corrie so I’m sure he won’t have a problem adjusting to retirement.”

Kash will be replaced by one-year-old German Shepherd Nico, who will also work as a general purpose dog. He has been trained in searching for suspects and missing people, locating objects dropped or concealed during a crime, following a track left by a person on the ground, chasing and detaining a person who runs away when challenged to stop, disarming violent armed suspects and controlling hostile crowds.

Nico is the son of Kash’s sister’s daughter and comes from a long line of service bred dogs. They were both bred by Julie Bridges from Nottinghamshire.

Nico will join Rich in the New Year, they will be based at Stafford but will cover the south of Staffordshire, including Cannock, Rugeley, Burntwood, Lichfield, Tamworth, Burton and Uttoxeter.