Retired West Midlands Police dog given top national award
German Shepherd, Captain, has been named the winner of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award
A retired police dog who spent three years working across the West Midlands has been recognised for his service with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
German Shepherd Captain has been named the winner of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award after a career helping officers track down suspects, missing people and important evidence.
Captain began working with his handler, PC Marcus Cottrell, in December 2018. The pair quickly made an impression, receiving a National Police Chiefs’ Council Award during their first year on the job.
During his time with West Midlands Police, Captain was involved in a number of challenging incidents, including public disorder, burglaries and reports of serious violence.
He was particularly skilled at tracking. On one occasion, Captain followed a trail through woodland at night and into a brook, where he found a car thief hiding in the water.
In another incident, he helped officers find a man who had fled from a secure hospital. Captain also tracked down suspects who had run from stolen vehicles and located evidence linked to crimes.
Marcus said: “Captain is fearsome but also extremely sociable; he detained countless criminals and used his nose to find people on the run, as well as weapons used in incidents.
“Captain was such a good police dog because he had such a high drive to do anything that was asked of him.
"He loves to work but he is also extremely sociable and, shortly after an incident, you’d often find him playing tug of war with other officers; obviously Captain would win!”
Captain’s career came to an early end in 2021 after he ruptured a cruciate ligament. Marcus, who is from Solihull, adopted him and the pair have continued to live together as Captain enjoys retirement.
However, his years of police work have taken a toll on his health. The nine-year-old has suffered problems with his spine and recently underwent major surgery to repair several herniated discs.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which supports retired police dogs with veterinary care, has provided more than £30,000 towards Captain’s treatment.
Marcus added: "He was a special dog to work with and he’s a special dog to share my life with.
"I am so grateful to the Thin Blue Paw for its support helping me treat Captain for all of his health problems in the years since he retired, and I’m incredible honoured to receive this award on his behalf."
Thin Blue Paw Foundation Founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “Captain worked hard and he paid for it with his health. He and Marcus were an impeccable team in service, and Captain deserves this accolade, as well as all of the support we’vegiven him as a charity since he hung up his harness.
“We’re proud to award Captain and Marcus the Lifetime Achievement Award, and we’re proud to be standing beside them to ensure he has the best retirement possible.”