Canine hero to receive PDSA Gold Medal for life-saving devotion
After seizing an armed suspect while on duty, Finn, a fearless police dog, was left with near-fatal stab wounds. To commend his bravery, Finn is to receive the PDSA Gold medal, known as the animals’ George Cross.
Police Dog Finn, who is now retired from service with Hertfordshire Constabulary, almost died from the stab wounds he sustained. His handler, PC Dave Wardell, was also injured in the incident; however, Finn’s actions protected his life.
The formal presentation of Finn’s PDSA Gold Medal will be held on Sunday 6 May, at the charity PetLife’s 18 festival at Cheltenham Racecourse: the first ever public presentation of such an award.
Finn’s story has captured the hearts of the nation and inspired a campaign to change the law around the protection for service animals.
Finn’s Story
On 5 October 2016, Police Dog Finn and handler Police Constable Dave Wardell from for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit were called to an address in Stevenage. The dog unit was instructed to give chase to a suspect who was evading arrest and who was believed to be armed.
During the pursuit, PC Wardell released Finn with a command to detain the suspect. The suspect attempted to jump over a fence but Finn kept pace and was able to take hold of his leg, foiling his escape.
PC Wardell explains, “I joined Finn, grabbing his collar and straddling his back to give him support as he held the suspect. In a split second, I saw the man lunge at Finn’s side with a weapon. As he pulled away, I saw a 10-inch blade, covered in Finn’s blood.
“The man then lunged at me with the blade but Finn, despite being seriously hurt, grabbed hold of the suspect and stopped him from landing a fatal blow. My hand was cut in the struggle and Finn’s head was sliced open.”
“Despite suffering two serious stab wounds, Finn’s grip on the suspect remained – pulling at the suspect’s leg to stop him from jumping the fence.”
Finn’s constant grip enabled PC Wardell to wrestle the assailant to the ground, where he eventually dropped the weapon. Other officers joined the team to assist and Finn was rushed to the nearest vet for life-saving treatment.
PC Wardell continues; “Finn’s determination, even after he’d been seriously hurt, was absolutely faultless. He definitely saved my life that night and stopped an armed criminal from posing a threat to other officers or the public.
“I am bursting with pride that Finn is receiving this award – he is a true gem and embodies everything that is special about police dogs in this country. He is my best friend and I owe him my life.”
Following the attack, Finn made a miraculous recovery and was back on active duty just 11 weeks later.
Finn’s Law
Finn’s remarkable story inspired a campaign called #Finnslaw. This seeks to lobby Government to change the laws that surround service animals, to provide greater protection and prosecution powers.
David Lloyd, the PCC for Hertfordshire, said: “Finn’s horrific injuries and the bravery he showed that night lit a fire in the hearts of the British public. Attacking a police animal should not be treated in the same way as damaging a police car. The public clearly think the same, and the fact PD Finn’s actions have prompted this response shows how much the public care about our animals important contribution to policing.”
“Finn’s award is a fitting recognition for his heroic actions that night. I very much look forward to seeing Finn formally presented with his PDSA Gold Medal, later in the year.”
Jan from PDSA continued: “Finn’s story captured the hearts of the nation. We received scores of enquiries from the public, asking for Finn to be recognised by PDSA’s prestigious Animal Awards Programme. So I’m thrilled that members of the public can see Finn receive his medal, at PDSA’s PetLife ‘18 festival in Cheltenham on 6 May.”
PDSA Gold Medal
Instituted in 2002, the PDSA Gold Medal is awarded to civilian animals for life-saving bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. The Medal is now widely recognised as the animals’ George Cross. Finn is the 28th recipient of the PDSA Gold Medal, all of whom have been dogs.
PDSA’s world-renowned Animal Awards Programme was set up when the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin, instituted the PDSA Dickin Medal in 1943. Regarded as the animals’ Victoria Cross, the Medal recognises the role of animals in military conflict. It was Maria’s hope that, by recognising the incredible roles animals play, she could raise their status in society, so ensuring they are better treated.
For more information on attending Finn’s presentation, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/PDFinn