A highly trained Cocker Spaniel has begun a vital new role helping fire investigators across the West Midlands uncover the truth behind deliberate blazes.
A Nose for Evidence: Holly's Specialised Training
Holly, a four-year-old working Cocker Spaniel, has officially become the newest member of the West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) as a licensed accelerant detection dog. Her primary duty is to use her exceptional sense of smell to locate traces of ignitable liquids like petrol or paraffin at fire scenes, evidence that can be crucial for criminal investigations but often missed by human investigators.
Handled by Watch Commander Annette Carrington, Holly recently achieved her operational licence after completing months of bespoke scent-detection training. This specialist preparation was conducted with Annette and Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service, culminating in licensing by South Yorkshire Police. The pair now operate as part of the WMFS Fire Investigation and Prevention Section.
Partnership for Health and Wellbeing
Ensuring Holly remains fit and healthy for her demanding job is a priority. Harrison Family Vets in Kingswinford has stepped in to provide comprehensive support. The independent practice, which opened at Gatehouse Retail Park on Dudley Road in 2022, is supplying Holly with a complimentary Total Wellness Plan.
This plan covers unlimited veterinary consultations, all routine health checks, vaccinations, preventive treatments, and discounts on further treatments and pet food. Clinic director and vet Rosie Levene-Barr said the practice was honoured to support Holly's health as she begins her career tackling complex cases.
An Incredible Partner with a Natural Talent
Watch Commander Annette Carrington has praised her new canine colleague. "Holly is an incredible partner," Annette said. "She's energetic, intelligent and absolutely loves to work. Her detection skills are much faster than those of humans, too!"
She highlighted Holly's innate abilities, noting her high drive to detect was obvious from a young age. This natural talent is so strong that Holly has already had a litter of puppies who have themselves gone into specialist detection roles within the police force.
At home, Holly lives with Annette and her other dog, an eight-year-old Cockapoo named Frankie. Since finishing her training in September 2025, Holly has already been deployed on two live investigations for West Midlands Police. To keep her skills razor-sharp, she undergoes weekly scent detection training and follows a strict decontamination process after every operational deployment.
The addition of Holly to the fire service represents a significant boost to forensic capabilities in the region, using advanced animal training to aid community safety and justice.
