Retired Police Dogs thanked for their service

Three retried police dogs (RPD) have been acknowledged for their loyal service to Essex Police and our communities.

The trio of German Shepherds, who had a combined 10 years of service, were presented with the Paul Nicholls Service Medal at an event held at Essex Police HQ.

The medal is named after its founder, Paul Nicholls QPM. Paul, a retired Essex Police dog handler, worked with the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund, to come up with a way of acknowledging the loyal service of our police dogs.

The medal is presented to all dogs who have come to the end of their Essex Police service - whether that's through retirement, or more sadly, injury or death.

RPDs Cain and Ollie, who are very much enjoying retired life with, were joined by their post-police service families.

Sadly, RPD Comet, died earlier this year, but his handler PC Darren Barnard and family were on hand to receive Comet’s medal on his behalf.

Thank you for your service, Cain, Ollie and Comet