By Bruce Fegen

A FIFE police dog has proved to be a top hound after tracking down two missing people and saving them from potential harm —on the same day.

German shepherd Max and his handler PC Craig Menzies were first called to Methil to help in the search for a missing man who was known to be depressed and vulnerable.

They located the man in a distressed state and threatening to harm himself but PC Menzies talked to him and successfully calmed him down.

Later the same evening an 85-year-old man who suffers from dementia was reported missing from a Levenmouth care home.

Craig and Max carried out a search and swiftly found the missing man in the care home’s grounds.

Two-year-old Max was donated to the force by a family from Strathclyde and only graduated to full-time police work last November.

Sergeant David McKelvie of the dog section said, “This is yet another fine example of the range of work undertaken by the staff of Fife Constabulary dog section which reinforces our commitment to be there for the community.”

Meanwhile, following on from their award-winning performance at the Scottish regional police dog trials, handler PC Steve Randall and his partner Barra have been given the opportunity to compete at the national police dog trials, hosted by Merseyside Police between April 28 and May 1.

There are over 1200 police dog and handler teams in Britain and the trials focus on the top 27 teams to establish the UK’s top police dog.

Sergeant McKelvie said, “I am delighted that a police dog and handler from Fife have qualified to take part in such a prestigious event.

“Barra has an excellent attitude towards his work and I am sure that the team will cope well with the challenges they have to meet during the competition.”