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Humberside Police has unveiled a dedicated memorial area to honour the service and sacrifice of its police dogs.
The memorial was unveiled during a ceremony last week at the force’s dedicated police memorial garden, paying tribute to the unwavering loyalty and bravery of our canine colleagues, past and present.
The event brought together retired and serving dog handlers, trainers, retired police dogs and esteemed guests. Retired police dog Neo was present, representing the legacy of retired service dogs. Accompanied by his puppy walker, Rachel Butler from South Yorkshire Police, RPD Neo symbolises the bond between handlers and their dogs throughout their lives.
The service featured poignant tributes, including:
- Individual memorial plaques for police dogs who have died in service.
- A memorial plaque presented by The Thin Blue Paw Foundation.
- A tree, donated by NARPO, to be planted next to the memorial.
- A wreath laid by Inspector Kevin Holmes from the Dog Section.
Police dogs play an indispensable role in protecting our communities. From chasing and detaining suspects to locating missing persons, explosives, and even digital devices, their skills are invaluable to policing. Beyond their tactical expertise, police dogs bring emotional support, serving as a comfort for victims and officers alike in often some of most traumatic circumstances.
“Our police dogs are more than just a tactical option – they are partners in every sense. They protect officers and the public, break down barriers, and even bring joy to our communities. The bond between a dog and their handler is unique, forged through countless hours of dedication, training, and mutual trust.
“The ceremony also recognised the handlers – the often-unsung heroes of the dog teams. Their commitment to their canine partners requires immense dedication, often blurring the lines between work and personal life.
“This new memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the extraordinary contributions made by Humberside’s police dogs and their handlers. It stands as a place of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for all who have served.”
Steve Matthews, PC Dog Handler, Humberside Police
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which supports retired police dogs across the UK, joined the ceremony. A representative from the charity reflected on the importance of commemorating these extraordinary animals.
Co-founder and trustee Kieran Stanbridge said: “Our police dogs dedicate their lives to fighting crime and keeping their communities safe so to have a memorial which commemorates all that they give is a lovely gesture to honour their service.
“The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was launched in order to protect and support both working and retired police dogs, but we also want to celebrate their accomplishments and honour their dedication to the job so this was a lovely event to be a part of.”
NARPO for retired Humberside Police dog handlers, the Police Federation and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office were also in attendance.
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