Meet our Service Ambassadors
Bev Wales
Service Ambassador, NFRSA (Prison Service)
“I’m Bev Wales, and I’m honoured to serve as an ambassador for the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA). With over 22 years as a prison officer, my entire career has been spent in the long-term high-security estate, working with some of the most challenging and complex individuals in the prison system. For the past eight years, I’ve also served as a dedicated dog handler, partnering with exceptional canine colleagues.
Originally from Northern Ireland, I’ve spent the majority of my life in England, where my passion for service animals has flourished. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with two exceptional German Shepherds, and currently, I work with a remarkable Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross, continuing the legacy of excellence in service.
The NFRSA has been instrumental in supporting my retired dogs, Kai and Cody, with their medical needs. Kai, who retired at six and enjoyed a long, happy retirement, sadly passed away at the age of 11 but The NFRSA supported him on three separate occasions, including contributions towards his final care. Cody remains a beloved member of our family. My husband, Graeme, and I are deeply committed to the NFRSA’s mission, actively promoting awareness and support for this vital charity.
Our household is a haven for dogs, including Maisie, a partially sighted French Bulldog we adopted from Hungary. We are passionate about providing care and comfort to animals in need, reflecting the NFRSA’s dedication to ensuring retired service animals receive the support they deserve.”
Luke Wickenden
Service Ambassador, NFRSA (Prison Service)
Luke Wickenden brings over 15 years of dedicated service within HMPPS, with a career deeply rooted in the specialist world of service dogs. Starting at HMP Belmarsh, Luke has worked across the High Security Estate, including the London Area Search Team and HMP Full Sutton, before joining the National Dog and Technical Support Group (NDTSG).
As a seasoned dog handler, Luke has trained over 100 dog teams and has been instrumental in supplying highly skilled dogs to both HMPPS and Police forces across the UK. In 2018, he was promoted to Custodial Manager and returned to HMP Belmarsh as Dog Section Manager, before stepping into his current role as one of just six National Dog Inspectorates – a position that oversees standards, training, and the continued excellence of dog teams nationwide.
Luke’s connection to the NFRSA is both professional and personal. His retired General Purpose dog, Khan, was one of the first dogs registered with the charity, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the welfare of service animals beyond their working years. As a Service Ambassador, Luke is proud to support the NFRSA’s mission to champion the care, well-being, and dignity of our nation’s retired service animals.
Amy Deeming
Service Ambassador, NFRSA (Police Service)
“I’m Amy Deeming, a serving Dog Handler with Warwickshire Police, and I feel very honoured to be an ambassador for the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals. It is a cause incredibly close to my heart!
I joined Warwickshire Police in a police staff role back in 2004, and after helping as a stooge for some passive drugs dog training, and watching some General Purpose police dog training, I was completely sold on what I wanted to do for a career!
I joined as a Police Officer in 2006, and achieved my dream of becoming a dog handler in 2015, when I was partnered with PD Duke, a rather stubborn, unruly dog who was gifted to the Police.
PD Duke served for 6 years as a General Purpose Police Dog and a Firearms Support Dog before retiring due to arthritis. I had always promised him a home for life & he is now ‘working’ as my burglar alarm when I’m at work, in between sun puddling & snoring.
On retirement, Duke’s harness passed on to PD Jinx, who is my current working dog and who I have had since he was an 8-week-old puppy.
I have also been lucky enough to work a fantastic specialist search dog in RPD Rufus & a loony Labrador, RPD Lilly, both of whom are now living their best lives with families as adored pets. They are also, of course, registered with the NFRSA.
Our service animals work tirelessly & fearlessly for their handlers, and I believe passionately that they are owed a happy fulfilling retirement. Knowing the NFRSA are there to help support them when needed, is the ultimate reassurance for their guardians.
I am excited to see what my new role as Service Ambassador brings. My first challenge, as an absolute non-runner (unless it’s after a dog), will be to run the London Marathon for the NFRSA in 2026!”
Nikki Harvey
Watch Commander – Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
I’m Nikki Harvey and I have worked for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for the past 33 years in various roles, including working in our Control room, Human Resources and as a Firefighter. For the past 18 years of service, I have been extremely fortunate to work in (what I consider to be) the best job in the Fire Service, as our Fire Investigation (FI) search dog handler.
Having had a real passion for dogs since childhood, this is my dream job and one I certainly didn’t ever imagine would be possible when I joined the Fire Service.
During my career, I have been extremely privileged to work with, and handle, 4 incredible Labradors as FI search dogs. All have proven themselves to be amazing assets to our fire investigations, with huge success rates when assisting when arson cases. The evidence they have located has been fundamental in securing lengthy custodial sentences for arson offenders.
However, on a more personal level, all the FI dogs I have worked have meant so much more to me than simply being my working dogs. They have become my best friends, loyal companions and indeed part of my family.
So, when these dogs reach retirement and face unfortunate circumstances which require veterinary treatment, I want to ensure that they receive the best possible care.
The NFRSA was a huge support for my last retired FI dog Reqs, not only in terms of assisting with veterinary support for him, but also on a personal level for me too. I honestly don’t know how I would have coped without their care and compassion, and it’s so reassuring to know that they are there when we need them most.
The kindness from Lady B continued after Reqs unfortunately passed away, and I will always be grateful for her unwavering and heartfelt support.
I am profoundly honoured and privileged to serve as a Service Ambassador for the NFRSA – a charity that is extremely close to my heart. I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to support and contribute to their incredible work, and to make a meaningful difference to the lives of retired service animals across the UK.
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