Lacey strikes a pose for the 2026 Police Dog Trust Calendar. Photo \/ Senior Constable Deb Potter <\/p>\n
Devenport and Lacey have been working together for nearly three years, and their bond extends well beyond work.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a full-time role,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe start work together, finish our shift at home together, and spend our days off together too. She loves swimming in the river, so that\u2019s something we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Devenport says dog handling is more than a job.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy passion is frontline policing, and I\u2019m really passionate about the tactical space within the police as well. Dog handling was one of those dreams, and it\u2019s a chance to work with your best mate and do what you love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, 3-year-old Taco has become something of a \u201cposter dog\u201d. His handler, Constable Cam Gunn, says Taco\u2019s calendar fame has only added to his popularity.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got these collectible cards we give out for engagement. I\u2019m not sure whether it\u2019s his name or his nature, but people seem to love spending time with Taco.\u201d<\/p>\n
Constable Cam Gunn holding Taco’s collectible card. Photo \/ Rafaella Melo<\/p>\n
Gunn says Taco is full of energy, which serves him well in his role. <\/p>\n
In his first week on the job, he successfully tracked an offender for nearly two and a half hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinding people that wouldn\u2019t be found otherwise without the dog, that\u2019s a pretty good reward,\u201d Gunn says.<\/p>\n
Taco can get very excited about his job. When Gunn turns on the siren in the van, Taco starts howling along. <\/p>\n
That personality earned him the February spot in the new calendar, a shot showing the 40kg dog on Gunn\u2019s shoulders. It looks effortless, but Gunn admits it took \u201ca lot of setups behind the scenes\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had to get someone else to lift him on my shoulders. It wasn\u2019t effortless at all.\u201d <\/p>\n
Both Taco and Lacey are part of their handlers\u2019 family routines.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s not often a switch-off from work,\u201d Gunn says.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we sign up for that and enjoy that part of it as well, knowing that the bond you build with your dog comes with those times that you aren\u2019t always at work.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re not pets, they\u2019re partners. They support us in everything we do, and we support them in everything they do.\u201d<\/p>\n
From left, Cam Gunn with Taco, and Cole Devenport with Lacey. Photo \/ Rafaella Melo<\/p>\n