MEET

RPD Hector

Breed of dogLabrador

Location of servitudeKent Police

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

  • Retired police dog Hector
  • Retired police dog Hector relaxes on his bed
  • Retired police dog Hector sleeping with his toy

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG HECTOR

RPD Hector initially joined Kent Police as a passive drug detection dog and later expanded his role to also search for cash and firearms.

He became ‘very successful’ in searching buildings and vehicles.

Now five, he was adopted by Jackie and Keith Buckingham, who’d previously lost RPD Max, Hector’s predecessor.

Max and Hector had lived together for a short time with their handler before Max retired, in 2022, and went to live with the Buckinghams with Hector taking on his role.

Max died in February 2026 and the Buckinghams were unexpectedly contacted by the police to ask if they’d consider taking on Hector.

Jackie said: “Hector is quite shy, certainly with new people, but is very sweet and affectionate with us.

Retired police dog Hector sleeping with his toy
Retired police dog Hector relaxes on his bed

“He’s adjusting well to becoming a pet and, now he’s got teddies for the first time, he loves playing with them and carrying them around in his mouth.”

Hector fell ill in 2025 with tests diagnosing an infection in his spine, likely caused by a urinary tract infection which had spread, as well as hip dysplasia.

He was put on rest and police paid for his medication and hydrotherapy but specialists recommended he be retired early and so, in July 2026, he left his role with the police.

Jackie said: “He’s still on medication, kindly provided by Kent Police, and we’ll also be arranging regular hydrotherapy for him.

“He’s still a young dog but we’re committed to give him the best retirement we possibly can.

“He’s beautiful and so sweet and we love him dearly, as do the rest of our family. He is growing in confidence, enjoying cuddles, and going for walks in his new area.”

Retired police dog Hector

“We’re so pleased to be joining the Thin Blue Paw community again with our newly arrived RPD Hector. We’re extremely grateful for the generous support the Foundation gave Max. We will never forget him but feel ready to give RPD Hector the loving retirement home he also deserves.“

Jackie, Hector’s owner

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