RPD Stark

What are the highlights from Stark’s career?

“The highlights have been winning West Midlands Police Dog Action of the Year and the Thin Blue Paw’s Bravery Award for an incident when he was confronted and attacked with a machete, striking him numerous times to the head and body. Despite receiving some very nasty injuries whilst being attacked, Stark never gave up, showing extreme determination and bravery.”

What does retirement look like for Stark?

“Retired life is looking pretty good for Stark as my partner and I are both retiring too! That means we will get to spend lots of time with him. If all goes to plan, we will split our time between here and Spain and Stark will get to enjoy six months of the year in a warm, sunny climate with his own swimming pool!”

What’s Stark’s health been like?

Despite being slashed and stabbed during the line of duty, Stark’s health has been good until he suffered an unexpected acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) or an exploded disc in his spine, for which he is now recovering.

Tell us a funny story about Stark…

“The first would be when we were searching a building for intruders and Stark decided to paint himself white! I heard a loud clatter and he’d knocked over a large tin of pain; he finished doing his job and then appeared covered in gloss! The second would be when he appeared on Steph’s Packed Lunch after winning the Thin Blue Paw Award; first of all he tried to eat one of the microphones and then he decided not to be very polite to Steph McGovern when she went to give him some fuss – the interview was conducted from a distance with the safety of a table between us!”