Police dogs given medals for loyal service
NINE police dogs retired from Essex have received medals in recognition of loyal service – sponsored by Essex Police Federation.
Essex is thought to be the only police service in the UK to honour its retired dogs in this way. Quincy, Barney, Zip, Buster, Kato, Ralph and Archie were presented with medals engraved with dates of their service at police headquarter in Chelmsford on 11 June.
Sadly, the other two dogs – Taz and Reg – have passed away since their retirement but received posthumous medals which were presented to their former handlers.
The medals are funded by Essex Police Federation and were presented by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh.
Mark Smith, Federation Chairman, said: “We were approached and we were asked if we would make a charitable contribution to help them get the medals, which we did. I’m really happy to do that, they are a resource that we couldn’t do without and it needs to be acknowledged.
“So it’s nice to assist, but as a Federation we can’t take too much praise for that because it was a lot of work done by other people, we just helped them to achieve it.”
Dog handler PC Paul Nicholls first suggested installing a plaque dedicated to the memory and faithful service of police dogs in the Chief Constable’s garden a police headquarters last year. Since then he’s been working with Insp Brad Dickel of the dog unit, Essex Police Federation and the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund to bring the idea to life.
PC Nicholls, who has worked with a total of eight police dogs throughout his career, said: “Our police dogs work incredibly hard and support their police officer colleagues throughout the career. Therefore it seems only right that their loyal, brave and unfaltering service be recognised.
“It’s important too that we don’t forget those dogs who have died during service so it’s really fitting that their former handlers were able to come along to the ceremony too.”
Insp Dickel said: “Police dogs deploy with handlers 24 hours a day every day throughout Essex in the on-going fight against crime.
“The support provided by these outstanding animals across a wide range of specialisms ensures the safety of the public remains an absolute priority. It is only right that every retiring police dog receives recognition for their unfaltering bravery and dedication.”
Ms Belgrove added: “The medals are a fitting tribute and a symbol of the recognition that is due to these exceptional dogs who have loyally served the people of Essex.”
Photo: Harlow Star
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