Thin Blue Paw Awards honour five dog/handler teams.
Tonight (22 September), the UK's bravest police dogs and their handlers will be celebrated at the 2022 Thin Blue Paw Awards.
Taking place at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, the event will honour five police dogs and their handlers for the difference they have made in fighting crime and protecting the public.
The event is organised by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation – a charity that supports working and retired service dogs across the UK – and is the charity's second annual awards event.
Kieran Stanbridge, Thin Blue Paw Foundation trustee, commented: “Police dogs are definitely the unsung heroes of our frontline policing teams and commit their lives to using their noses, paws and teeth to fight crime, help people, locate cash, drugs and firearms, and keep their colleagues and communities safe.
“As well as supporting these dogs once they hang up their harnesses at the end of their careers, at the Thin Blue Paw Foundation we wanted to celebrate and showcase the incredible job they do with our annual awards.”
The winners of each category are as follows:
Lifetime Achievement: RPD Logan and PC Ian Sweeney
This crimefighting duo won the Lifetime Achievement Award for their work in Lincolnshire for seven years. Logan and PC Sweeney have made amazing arrests and saved lives. In 2018, Logan's commitment to his handler was displayed when he got shot in the head three times while protecting PC Sweeney to detain three armed people.
Outstanding Bravery: PD Astro and PC Grace Feavyour
Astro demonstrated true bravery in 2021, leaping into action to defend PC Feavyour during a confrontational arrest. Although he became injured, Astro held the suspect until he was restrained.
Lifesaver: RPD Luna and PC Linda McBride
Luna and PC McBride have worked together over the years to save 38 lives. Luna's natural ability for tracking high-risk missing people meant she helped to rescue elderly dementia patients who became lost, suicidal individuals needing urgent assistance and even victims of kidnapping.
Crimefighting Duo: PD Toro and PC Chris McDonough
After working together for two-and-a-half years, Toro and PC McDonough have built up a successful reputation, with many arrests and even some TV coverage, owing to an unusual move Toro pulled while detaining a suspect.
Rising Star: PD Eddie and PC Andrew Kenyon
This pair have displayed their natural talent and commitment to their role during their first 18 months working on the streets. Eddie and PC Kenyon have had more than 60 arrests so far, and have assisted on serious jobs.
Kieran continued: “This year’s winners are prime examples of the incredible bravery, strength, specialist skills, and dedication these wonderful dogs show every day when they head out to work; as well as the important role dog handlers play in helping police forces across the UK fight crime. This is our way of saying thank you.”
More information about the Awards can be found on the Thin Blue Paw Foundation's website.
Image (C) Thin Blue Paw Foundation
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
