The family of a late police dog handler have collected donations for the Foundation in his memory.
PC Mark Kettle served as a handler with West Midlands Police from 1995, when he licensed with his German Shepherd, PD Ash.
The pair worked together until Mark left the unit in 2001 to join the traffic section, where he served until 2014.
PD Ash was re-handled by another officer, before he passed away in 2005.
Father and grandfather Mark stepped away from the job after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and, sadly, died in September 2025, at the age of 66.
Mark’s wife, Marion, said: “Now both handler and dog have earned their wings and completed their last shift. I believe they have been reunited again.”
Mark had always been a supporter of the Thin Blue Paw. His family – from Rugely in Staffordshire – decided to request for donations at Mark’s funeral to be made to the Thin Blue Paw as a ‘lasting legacy’ to Mark.
Our founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “We’d like to thank Marion and the family for their incredibly kind donations at what much be such a difficult time.
“It is testament to Mark’s passion and commitment to his job, and the invaluable work he did with PD Ash, that so many of his friends and colleagues wanted to donate in his memory. This will help us help dogs in their retirements; a wonderful lasting legacy for both Mark and Ash.”
Marion added: “The friendship and bond between Mark and Ash was built on trust, respect and loyalty. Ash was his partner, best friend and a very big part of our family. They faced great danger together but Mark trusted Ash, and he protected him. Ash taught him so much about life.”
