End of an era: Fed rep and dog handler bows out after 30 years’ service

30 October 2025

After three decades on the frontline, a West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative and long-serving dog handler is preparing to hang up her lead for the final time.

But PC Sue Cheek won’t be leaving alone – her two faithful companions, police dogs Chase and Trev, are also heading into retirement.

At 48, Sue admits she isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to a job that has defined her adult life.

“I was a cadet before I joined, so I’ve done 32 years for West Midlands Police,” she says. “It’s daunting to think that I won’t have a job in a month’s time, and I’m leaving behind an organisation that has meant so much to me.”

Sue will officially retire on 24 October. Although she admits the time is right to step away from frontline policing, she has mixed emotions.

 

PC Sue Cheek is retiring after 32 years serving West Midlands Police.

“Part of me isn’t ready to go – I still feel like I’ve got a lot to give the organisation,” she explains.

“But I’ve done enough on the frontline, and I think it’s time from that perspective. At four in the morning, when I’m going over a six-foot fence with a dog chasing a burglar, it’s not as easy as it was 25 years ago.”

That said, she isn’t closing the door entirely.

“If an opportunity arose to come back as a staff member, maybe as a dog instructor, I’d love to put in for that,” she adds.

From the outset of her police career, Sue knew exactly what she wanted to do.

Dog handler

“I joined wanting to be a dog handler,” she recalls. “I achieved that after five years and have been one ever since. I feel honoured and privileged that I’ve been able to do the job I always wanted.”

Her career has taken her to some extraordinary places. She has worked at Royal events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, been part of the team at the G8 summit and was even involved in searches when the Pope came to Birmingham.

“I’ve been all over the country representing the Force,” she says. “I’ve caught bad guys, dealt with firearms jobs and helped put away some really nasty people with the help of my dogs. I can look back and know I’ve made a difference.”

There have been lighter moments, too.

“Meeting Ozzy Osbourne at the Commonwealth Games was definitely a highlight,” she laughs.

Retirement

Fittingly, Sue’s retirement coincides with that of her two dogs. Explosives search dog Trev, aged 11, and general purpose and firearms support dog Chase, aged 8, are also retiring.

“All three of us are going together, which is absolutely brilliant,” Sue says. “It’s fate. I couldn’t have timed it better if I tried.”

She admits she’ll miss her colleagues, but the bond with her dogs is irreplaceable.

“The people make the job what it is,” she says. “But the dogs are coming home with me, so I’ll still have them by my side.”

Alongside her operational role, Sue has served as a West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative for the past four and a half years.

Federation support

Inspired by the support she and her husband received from the Fed, she decided to step forward and give something back.

“Tim Rogers was our rep at the time, and he gave us the best support we could have ever asked for,” Sue says. “It made me want to join the Federation and try to give a fraction of that support to somebody else.”

Her time as a rep has been about listening, guiding and being there when needed most. “Sometimes it’s just picking up the phone to someone who needs to vent,” she explains.

“Other times it’s helping a colleague through difficult personal or medical situations. It’s the people side of things, and I feel like I’ve been able to make a difference.”

At her final Federation Branch Council meeting, Sue was recognised for her service with a commemorative medal.

“It was lovely,” she says. “There were some really kind words about how I’ve been there to support others.

Fed reps

“We’ve got a lot of new reps coming in now, and it’s nice to see their enthusiasm and desire to do the right thing. You can’t ask for more than that.”

With a ‘proper family holiday’ booked to celebrate her 30 years’ service, Sue is planning to take stock before deciding on her next chapter.

“It’s been a huge part of my life, and yes, it will be emotional to walk away,” she says. “But I’ve achieved what I set out to do in being a dog handler. That’s something I’ll always treasure.

“I’ve been honoured to serve, and I wish nothing but the best to my colleagues who are carrying it forward.”

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