Police dog and PC receive bravery award after knife incident in Surrey
Duo commended for their courage during a challenging police operation
A Surrey Police dog and handler have won a national bravery award after safely apprehending a suspect wielding a knife in Leatherhead.
PC Eddie Cabrera and German Shepherd PD Frankie received the Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s Outstanding Bravery Award for their teamwork and dedication during a dangerous situation earlier this year.
The incident, captured on bodyworn camera footage, occurred in February when the duo was called to a serious assault in Leatherhead, where a man had reportedly been stabbed multiple times.
Upon arrival, the suspect attempted to flee, leading the police team onto a petrol station forecourt, where the confrontation unfolded.
PC Cabrera described the tense moments, saying, “I made the decision to trust Frankie to lead me to him, rather than tear off after the first person I saw.”
When the suspect brandished a knife, PC Cabrera said, “He started swinging the knife at his head so Frankie got involved and was trying to back me up.”
Using pepper spray and a baton, PC Cabrera managed to subdue the suspect with Frankie’s distraction efforts, eventually leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The suspect was sentenced to two years in prison for threatening a person with a blade and ordered to pay £187 in costs.
PC Cabrera expressed his honour at the recognition, praising Frankie’s bravery, stating, “He didn’t cower or shy away at all, he was so brave and stayed up with me.”
The awards held at the Kennel Club in London aim to shine a light on the exceptional work police dogs and their handlers.