Special ceremony for Essex’ hardworking police dogs

ELEVEN retired lifesaving and criminal-catching police dogs have been honored for their service to the force with medals at a special ceremony this month.

The ceremony – which is sponsored by Essex Police Federation – is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country and was organised by Paul Nicholls QPM.

Drugs dog Labrador Katy and PC Tony Mayo, German Shepherd Dino along with retired handler Stu, Rapha, Tia and PC Adam Bowden as well as Studs and springer spaniel Shifty were all praised and thanked for their hard work.

Shifty was a drugs, cash and weapon recovery dog who spent nine years serving with his former handlers, Sgt Russ Abbott, PC Gary Lambert and PC Andy Kemp. He had a number of successful finds during his career including finding a clear water bottle that had been adapted to hide Class A drugs, a car door that had £45,000 concealed inside and two handguns hidden in a safe.

And five dogs were posthumously honored with medals presented to their emotional owners and previous dog handlers. All present paid tribute to Trojan, Sherlock, Santee, Major and Alfie. Each retired police dog was presented with a medal engraved with their service history.

Dog Section Inspector Brad Dickel, Lord Petre, former Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lady Rosemary Ruggles-Brise DL, a patron of the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund and family and friends of the Dog Section also attended.

ACC Pippa Mills said: “I’m delighted to be here supporting this important ceremony for the second year running. I’m proud of our Dog Section and everything they do to help protect the county, so it’s only right and proper that we award our retired police dogs for their part in helping to keep our communities safe.”

Paul Nicholls QPM, ceremony organiser, added: “As a former dog handler, I feel honoured to be able to award our retired police dogs for their service and for some of them, having paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

A total of 57 medals have now been awarded to Essex’s retired police dogs, six of these police dogs having lost their lives on duty protecting their handlers in difficult and dangerous situations.