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Awards celebrate bravest police dogs
We handed out seven very special awards – along with some surprises – at our third Thin Blue Paw Awards, held at The Kennel Club in London, on Wednesday 24th September (2025).
TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya hosted the ceremony, which saw police officials, police dogs, and guests gather together to celebrate the very best in policing.
We handed out two 2024 awards including the Lifesaver Award to RPD Bear and his owner, Julia Pope, who saved a man’s life; and a posthumous Outstanding Bravery Award to the late PD Zyla, of Leicestershire Police, who died while chasing a suspect.
Our main award winners were also honoured with their medals and awards from our celebrity guest presenters, including Britain’s Got Talent winner and dog trainer Ashleigh Butler, news anchor Lucrezia Millarini, Dragon’s Den star Jenny Campbell, and comedian Adil Ray.
Surrey Police PD Ella and her handler, PC Marissa Barwell, accepted the Crimefighting Duo Award, while RPD Fiji and her owner and former handler, PC Claire Bird, also from Surrey, attended to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Durham Constabulary digital detection dog PD Louie and his partner, PC Dan Cuthbertson, also attended to collect the Rising Star Award after they worked together to find crucial evidence in a road traffic collision that claimed the life of a baby and his aunt, a close friend and relative of Dan’s.
The Staffordshire Police Dog Team were named Police Dog Team of the Year, while Cleveland’s duo PD Yoiko and PC Tom Marsden were handed the Outstanding Bravery Award, after they entered a smoke-filled flat to safely detain a man who was swinging a shovel at officers.
Rookies PC Josh Lindley and PD Dutch were on their first shift when they tracked a vulnerable man and helped save his life, winning themselves the Lifesaver Award.
Leicestershire Police duo PC Leandra McCurry and PD Nico were awarded the Special Recognition Award and PC Steve Matthews, dog handler with Humberside Police, received a surprise Commendation for his tireless work and commitment to police dog welfare and celebrating police dogs.
Our Chairman Kieran Stanbridge said: “Every day, police dogs and their handlers put their lives on the line to protect the public and fight crime.
“We launched the Awards to celebrate these incredible dogs and everything they achieve in the line of duty, from the rookie rising stars who have started their careers with a bang, to the retiring dogs with years of finds and arrests under their collars.
“This year we celebrated our fifth birthday, so it feels fitting to have such an incredible roster of award winners who represent the very finest in policing. We’re very proud to be able to honour them all, and celebrate their amazing achievements.”
OUR LATEST NEWS
Awards celebrate bravest police dogs
We welcomed guests to our third Thin Blue Paw Awards, at The Kennel Club in London, to award the country’s bravest and most committed police dogs and handlers.
Foundation launches Association of Handlers
We launched the National Association of Police Dog Handlers in a bid to provide more support to handlers and work together to improve the welfare of police dogs.
Emergency surgery for retired police dog
We funded emergency surgery for RPD Nipper when his owners rushed him into the vets in the middle of the night.
Tennis ball-sized growth removed from dog’s chest
We stepped in to help with the cost of surgery to remove a large growth from RPD Albion’s chest.
Retired police dog helps teach first aid
RPD Izzy worked as an explosive detection dog for five years before retiring – but she’s got a new lease of life helping her owner teach people doggy first aid.
Unveiling of the Police Dog Finn Memorial
A statue of police dog Finn has been officially unveiled in the town he called home – and where he bravely served. The bronze statue was revealed during a public ceremony held on Sunday, 27 July in Layston Court Gardens, Buntingford, by our foundation, marking two years since Finn’s passing.
True love: How Donja helps owner with chronic illness
Retired police dog Donja has an important job today, even in her retirement.
Outcome of review into death of PD Zara
We’re pleased that Police Scotland has recognised there were failings in PD Zara’s case. We also acknowledge their recognition that greater transparency should have been provided regarding the decision to euthanise PD Zara.
Police dogs deserve a pension: Campaign launched
We’ve launched a nation-wide campaign calling for pensions for retired police dogs.
Update on death of PD Zara from Police Scotland
It is with deep sadness that PD Zara was let down by those in Police Scotland who were entrusted with her welfare.