Tributes to Bristol's pioneering dog handler

The funeral of Bristol's first ever police dog handler, Derek Johnston, was held at Canford Crematorium.

Two serving dog handlers and their dogs flanked the entrance to the chapel as his coffin was carried inside.

Before joining the police force, Derek served as a paratrooper in the Army during which time he was posted to Germany.

He helped set up the then Bristol police force's Dog Section in September 1957.

Derek, who was 79 when he died, was a police officer for 27 years, 22 of which he spent handling and training police dogs.

During his service, he received ten commendations from the Chief Constable and Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS) for various acts of bravery including when he saved a young boy who had become stranded on a cliff.

In 1960 he was seconded to work for the Public Security Department of state of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf for three years.

Derek was the Secretary for NARPO (The National Association of Retired Police Officers) in Bristol for over 26 years, and when he finally stepped down in 2004 his commitment was recognised when he was presented with a Bristol Blue glass truncheon – one of only two ever made.

Since Derek and his colleague Tom Hornsby were selected to be Bristol's first dog handlers, the Dog Section has grown from strength to strength. There are now more than 40 handlers working with a variety of dogs including German shepherds, spaniels and labradors trained to search for people, drugs, weapons, explosives and even cash.

Derek joined current dog handlers in Bristol to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dog Section in 2007.

His son, Paul said: "Dad had a fantastic life and was proud to have served the Bristol community. He loved his job and was particularly proud of how the Dog Section has flourished over the last 52 years.

"When I called the Dog Section to inform the officers of dad's death, I was so pleased that Sergeant Denis McCoy and PC Guy Williams wanted to come to the funeral to pay their respects – and that they were able to bring their police dogs Dave and Harry.

"Their police vehicle escorted dad to the Crematorium and the dog handlers flanked the entrance to the chapel. It was so special and I feel sure that dad would have felt very honoured.

"We are so proud as a family to say that Derek was our father, gramps and of course mum's husband. He will always be in our hearts."

Derek and his wife June had three children, Carol, Ann and Paul and Derek was also a doting grandfather to his nine grandchildren.

He was also a keen stamp collector and was made an Honorary Life Member of the Bristol Philatelic society in recognition of his contributions.