Senior Constable Alex Stammers today (16 October) received the award for taking the top photo in the 2026 Police Dog Calendar.
His photo captured Tāmaki Makaurau SAR dog Teo in full flight, leaping off a bank in pursuit of her favourite toy. It adorns the calendar cover and is the featured photo for March.
Teo’s handler, Senior Constable Adam Johannsen, was at the Dog Training Centre (DTC) at Trentham for the presentation to Alex of a print of the photo and a trophy. Teo, however, was not there – she is recovering after being injured in an accident on duty.
Teo and Adam were supporting the search for a missing man in thermally active Waiotapu, Rotorua, on Wednesday 8 October when soft ground gave way under Teo, and she fell into scalding water below.
Adam immediately pulled her out and she was taken to the Massey University Veterinary Hospital at Palmerston North.
She underwent surgery to burns, mainly on her hindquarters, on Monday and the prognosis is good.
Adam, who suffered minor burns in pulling Teo out, has stayed by her side at the vet hospital.
“She’s making a good recovery but it will be a long road,” says Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs.
“Huge thanks to the team at Massey who are giving Teo the best possible care.
“While we’re hopeful for her recovery, our thoughts are with the family of the missing man as the search continues.”
Todd visited Teo and the Massey team on Monday, along with Commissioner Richard Chambers.
He says Adam had put protective booties on Teo because of the nature of the terrain - and that prevented catastrophic burns to the pads on her feet.
Adam and Teo have been a team since graduating from the DTC in October 2018.
She retired as an operational patrol dog earlier this year after an award-winning career but has continued working in SAR. She was due to fully retire soon, to live with Adam and his family.
- There will be news abut the 2026 Police Dog Calendar in due course.
Adam took time out from his vigil at the vet hospital to attend the presentation.