Gee gets tops marks

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date published: 21 December 2016


A HEAD TEACHER and his deputy felt the full force of the law when they took part in a demonstration with bite.

Garry Needle and Steve Hill respectively played the part of criminals when police dog Gee visited St Joseph's RC Primary in Shaw.

Padding


They took it in turn to wear thick padding before dog handler Paul McGovern instructed Gee, who works in the prison service, to apprehend them.

Pupils watched as Gee then locked onto their arms with her powerful jaws and Mr Hill said: "Paul asked if I was willing to play the part and I jumped at the chance ­- it's not every day that you get an opportunity like that!

Approach


"I wore an extremely thick arm guard and he explained that Gee would approach me at approximately 34 miles per hour and that once attached to my arm, she would not let go until the order was given. He also said that the dog could quite easily break my arm!

"She is such a strong, powerful and highly-trained dog and it was hard work fighting against her. She continued until Paul gave her the order to release.

Amazing

"It was amazing how she could switch from friendly mode into work mode within a split second and the children enjoyed watching her in action. We can't thank Paul and his team enough for giving us this opportunity."