Award for brave police dog who fought knifeman
STARK STABBED 20 TIMES BY MACHETE, BUT BATTLED ON TO HELP MAKE ARREST
A POLICE dog who helped apprehend a machete-wielding attacker despite being wounded multiple times has been rewarded for his bravery.
Stark and his handler, PC Paul Hopley of West Midlands Police, were among the winners at the inaugural Thin Blue Paw Awards, which celebrate the remarkable work and achievements of serving and retired police dogs across the UK.
The pair were responding to reports of attempted break-ins at an allotments in Staffordshire on December 14 last year when they were met by a suspect armed with a machete.
Stark, a four-year-old German shepherd-belgian malinois cross, was struck at least 20 times by the weapon, resulting in deep lacerations on his head and being left covered in blood.
Despite his injuries, the animal was still able to drag the attacker away as PC Hopley subdued him with an aerosol similar to pepper spray.
Stark needed emergency treatment and stitches before returning to his duties just four weeks later.
The pair’s heroics saw them presented with the Outstanding Bravery award at the ceremony, which was held Knebworth House in Hertfordshire and presented by BBC News presenter Rich Preston.
Five service dogs and six handlers were honoured for work which included saving a man from suicide and sniffing out dangerous weapons.
Among those was Darren Sewell, an officer of 22 years with Leicestershire Police. He received the Special Recognition award having cared for police dogs Jura and Gilly while helping train puppies for neighbouring forces.
The dog handler and firearms support handler of 16 years was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in 2020, and has been undergoing chemotherapy while continuing to care for his pack.
National dog welfare charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation organised the event with sponsorship from Animal Friends Insurance.
The charity’s co-founder, Kieran Stanbridge, said: “There are approximately 1,500 serving police dogs working across the UK and, every day, they put their lives on the line alongside their handlers to help fight crime, save lives and keep the public safe.
“As a charity, we want to support these dogs to live long and happy lives when they retire, but we also want to acknowledge, recognise and celebrate the dogs, police dog handlers, and duos who have made a real difference in their communities.”