Paul Nicholls is a former Dog handler with Essex Police.
He is originally from Chelmsford but comes from a family of Police officers. His grandfathers and father were also with Essex Police.
Paul trained at Shotley and was posted to Harlow where he worked with a great team of characters. He was posted to "Rural Essex" where he had to use a repeater radio when speaking to control!
After 13 years he secured his boyhood dream on the Dog Section. He describes his love for the job and the dogs who were without doubt his best friends.
Paul carried out training in Finland with Ilkka Hormila and was encouraged to introduce body recovery dogs to Essex Police. His love for Police dogs is such that he raised £65k to place a memorial at Oaklands Parks as a national memorial. he also instigated a medal in recognition of the service provided by dogs in Police service.
He was ably supported by Mandy Chapman and Linda Belgrove of Essex Police Retired Dog Fund www.essexretiredpolicedogs.co.uk/ Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund Twitter
Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson's and had to take medical retirement as a result. However, his illness wasn't going to slow him down. He was instrumental in organising a table tennis league for Parkinson's sufferers. He also runs the England Walking Football team for Parkinson's sufferers, which follows on from the great work carried out by his inspiration John Roche.
Paul makes no bones about his dark thoughts and his consideration to take a "One way trip to Switzerland" He has undergone radical surgery that has improved his quality of life!
Paul has become an Artist and has been displayed at the OXO Gallery , Paul has been awarded the QPM for services to Policing and was presented by Her Majesty the Queen. Whilst waiting for the ceremony he met Sir Mo Farah .
Sit back and listen to this charming guy.
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