Statue of ‘most decorated’ police dog unveiled as ‘legacy that will last a lifetime’
A bronze statue to honour a police dog who saved his handler’s life has been officially unveiled.
German Shepherd Finn suffered “life-threatening injuries” when he was stabbed protecting Hertfordshire Constabulary officer PC Dave Wardell during an incident in Stevenage in 2016.
He survived following life-saving surgery to treat wounds to his head and chest. His attacker, however, was charged only with criminal damage and Mr Wardell was horrified.
The duo embarked on a high-profile campaign, called Finn’s Law, calling for legal protection for service animals. The legislation was passed in 2019, as the Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill.
Finn, who lived and worked in Hertfordshire, retired in 2017 to live with Mr Wardell and his family in Buntingford.
Finn ‘died in his sleep’ on July 28, 2023, at the age of 14.
He had won over the hearts of millions across the UK – and further afield – with his incredible story and the campaign he led to introduce better protection for serving animals.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation – which celebrates, protects, rehabilitates and supports serving and retired police dogs across the UK – launched a fundraising campaign after Finn’s death to pay for a statue of him. The public donated more than £40,000 in just 72 hours.
Finn was stabbed and suffered life-threatening injuries when he was protecting his handler, Hertfordshire Constabulary officer PC Dave Wardell, during an incident in Stevenage in 2016.
The statue was unveiled at a public ceremony in Layston Court Gardens, Buntingford on Sunday (July 27) by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation – two years since his death.
Thin Blue Paw chairman Kieran Stanbridge said: “Finn was one of the most decorated police dogs in our history and not only served his community valiantly and loyally during his career, but put his life on the line to save Dave during a violent and dangerous incident.
“He went on to capture the hearts of the nation and worked tirelessly to shine a light on the bravery and dedication of police dogs, while also bringing about change to our laws to ensure these courageous animals have the legal protection they deserve whilst serving.
“We felt he needed to be remembered and honoured appropriately and we’re proud to have raised the funds to pay for this beautiful memorial in his memory. We also hope it will become a place of reflection and dedication for all police dogs, both past and present.”
Finn also became the ambassador for the Thin Blue Paw Foundation when the foundation launched in 2020.
Finn died following a short illness and his owner, Mr Wardell, said he was “broken” by his death.
He said: “Finn was by my side every single day for over a decade, first as my police partner and then as my best friend. I was completely lost when I had to say goodbye.
“It was incredibly humbling when I found out that the Foundation wanted to create a memorial in his honour and I was absolutely staggered by the response that the fundraiser had from the public. It goes to show how many people were touched by Finn’s story.”
The 80kg sculpture of Finn was created by specialist animal sculptor Suzie Marsh, and took 11 months to create, including the initial sculpting in clay and the bronze casting process.
She made the original sculpture in stoneware clay from which the foundry creates a wax casting in order to make the moulds for the molten bronze.
She said: “I’m passionate about animals and the bonds we share with them and I’ve worked with many charities as a way of giving something back to them.
“I was delighted and honoured to be chosen for this project and feel the result is a fitting memorial to a well-loved, brave and special dog.”
Mr Wardell added: “I am amazed at how Suzie has managed to capture Finn’s kind, gentle face as well as the focus behind his eyes.
“I hope it’ll become a place where others can come to pay tribute not only to Finn but to the thousands of police dogs who have worked to keep their communities safe.”
Buntingford Town Mayor Duncan Wallace said: “The Town Council is privileged to have been chosen to site this wonderful legacy to Finn in his home town of Buntingford, reminding us all of his story and what he helped achieve for service dogs across our country.”