Retired police dog honoured for post-surgery rescue
Bear was presented with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation's Lifesaver Award at a special ceremony.
A retired police dog has been presented with an award after he saved a man’s life while on his first walk after recovering from major surgery.
RPD Bear and his owner, retired police officer Julia Pope, were honoured with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s Lifesaver Award at a ceremony at Sussex Police Headquarters on Monday, 23 December.
On 28 November, Bear was taking his first walk in weeks after undergoing major surgery to remove two tumours. The walk also marked the German shepherd’s 12th birthday.
While on the walk Bear suddenly took action, taking Julia and her husband Ian to a man that had fallen into dense undergrowth. The man was cold, wet and confused.
The police had already been searching for the man, and so Bear and Julia led him to safety.
Bear’s lifesaving work was commended at the awards ceremony by Sussex Police chief constable Jo Shiner.
She said: “I was proud to present PD Bear with a Lifesaver Award for his heroic work to locate a man in distress.
“It is incredible Bear is continuing to inspire us with his skills, and caps a remarkable career of service even after his well-earned retirement from the force in 2020.”
Ms Pope, who did not know Bear would receive the award, said: “Bear found several people during his working life who probably wouldn’t have survived without him, but he and his handler never got any recognition at the time because they were simply doing their job.
“For him to get this award now, in his retirement, and for his former handler, Iain, to have been there too, is very special. We’re all super proud of him.”
This is the second time that Bear, who retired from Sussex Police in 2020, has recovered from significant health problems.
In 2023, he needed a specialist operation to repair two herniated discs in his spine – a result of years of police work. The surgery brought Bear back into full mobility.
The £8,500 operation, as well as rehabilitation, was partially funded by The Thin Blue Paw Foundation. The charity provides financial support to people who adopt retired police dogs, ensuring the pet receives good veterinary care and treatment.
Bear now serves as a wellbeing and trauma support dog for police officers through the Oscar Kilo 9 project.
Image © The Thin Blue Paw Foundation
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
