Posthumous bravery award for police dog that died on duty
A police dog that died in an incident while chasing a suspect has been honoured posthumously with a bravery award.
Leicestershire Police dog Zyla was chasing a suspect on July 3 when they entered water and she was pulled out unresponsive and later died at the vets.
The suspect was arrested under Finn’s Law – legislation brought in following a campaign by Thin Blue Paw trustee Dave Wardell and his police dog, Finn, who almost died after being stabbed while protecting Dave from an armed assailant – for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
A memorial service was held by Leicestershire Police at force headquarters in Leicester on Thursday (August 22).
At the memorial, PD Zyla’s handler, was presented with an award by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity that protects, celebrates and supports working and retired police dogs across the UK. PD Zyla’s half-brother, PD Nash, who is also a Leicestershire Police dog, was also in attendance.
Charity trustee Kieran Stanbridge attended the memorial to present the Thin Blue Paw Outstanding Bravery Award in memory of PD Zyla. He said: “Zyla tragically lost her life in the line of duty while doing a job that she loved. In memory of her unwavering dedication to her job, and her outstanding bravery, we wanted to honour her posthumously with this award, so everyone will remember her courage and her sacrifice.
“Every day, the UK’s police dogs put their lives on the line in the fight against crime, and they do everything to keep their handlers and other police officers safe, while also protecting their communities. They’re true heroes who deserve to be celebrated.”
Zyla was born on September 21, 2022, in the Czech Republic and qualified to be a police dog in January 2024. She was described as very driven and intelligent.
Chief Constable Rob Nixon QPM said: “Zyla was not just a police dog, she was a protector of our communities, a skillful thief taker and a perfect partner to her handler. She was a valued member of our police family, she was courageous and brave, and we will never forget her service.”
Paying tribute to Zyla, her handler wrote: “To my faithful Zyla, my crew mate and friend – our girl. I will forever hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain as life goes on without you, but will never be the same.
“As a family, dog section, police family; we are hurting more than words can say.
“I remember the moment I first saw you; I gasped at your beauty as you leapt to greet me with joy. You stole the hearts of those who were lucky enough to meet you.
“You knew no limits, you tracked like no other, you demonstrated ways of finding people in ways I’d never seen, if there was a gap to fit through you would find it! Your willingness to please me, your loyalty and fearlessness shone through.
“Zyla you were loved by all who met you, you were the perfect partner, the perfect family member, you were our girl who would stop at nothing to ensure your mum made it home safely.
“You were a bouncy bundle of joy, a girl who never stopped. You didn’t walk, you glided with such beauty and grace. You were taken too soon but in your short time you made sure you lived to the full.
“The day you were taken from I will never forget! A piece of me died that day with you. Your heroic actions that day ensured I made it home safely and I will never forget your sacrifice for me, my family, my police family and the wider public. You are our hero, you are our girl.
“You were a fantastic police dog with a bright future, but you were so much more. You did your duty, played your final game.
“Every day I see your favourite ball, my quiet empty garden, your empty kennel, empty police car and feel my empty heart.
“Zyla I love you, I miss you, I thank you – you will always be our special girl.”
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation launched a fundraising appeal following PD Zyla’s death after her handler contacted the charity to request an donations in memory of the German Shepherd be gifted to the Foundation so Zyla’s memory could live on through its work supporting police dogs in their retirement. Hundreds of people have donated more than £9,000 in her memory.
The charity also had 18 memorial patches made to go out to all other dogs in the Leicestershire Police dog unit in memory of PD Zyla, and is working with other handlers within the unit to commission a memorial for the gardens at the police head office.
Mr Stanbridge added: “Thank you for your loyal service, Zyla. You will never be forgotten, and your legacy will live on through our work to help so many other police dogs who follow you.”
The charity protects and celebrates working and retired police dogs and their achievements, as well as supporting retired police dogs with veterinary care and rehabilitation.
Most police dogs do not receive ongoing support from the Government or police when they leave service, and are uninsurable, meaning their expensive ongoing care falls to their handler or adopters.
As police dogs lead strenuous lives and often retire with medical problems, these expenses can be a huge burden for their new owners so the Thin Blue Paw Foundation provides grants and ongoing support to ensure dogs have access to the best veterinary treatment, rehabilitation therapies, and medication.