PD Zyla died in pursuit of a suspect.
A Leicestershire Police dog has been posthumously honoured with a bravery award following her heroic pursuit of a suspect.
PD Zyla was commemorated at a memorial service in Leicester on Thursday, 22 August 2024, where Thin Blue Paw Foundation trustee Kieran Stanbridge presented the Thin Blue Paw Outstanding Bravery Award to her handler.
Zyla was born in the Czech Republic on 21 September 2022. She went on to qualify as a police dog in January 2024, before joining Leicestershire Police.
On 3 July 2024, PD Zyla aided police in the pursuit of a suspect wanted in connection with an attempted murder.
During the chase, the German shepherd became submerged in water and became unresponsive. She was taken to a veterinary practice where she later died.
Following her death, PD Zyla’s handler contacted the Thin Blue Paw Foundation to request that any donations in her memory support the charity’s work.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was founded to protect and rehabilitate serving and retired police dogs across the United Kingdom. As police dogs often retire with health problems, the charity ensures that they have continued access to veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
So far over £9,000 has been raised in her memory.
The charity has now had 18 memorial patches made for the other dogs in the Leicestershire Police dog unit. It is also working with other dog handlers to commission a memorial for the gardens at the police head office.
Mr Stanbridge said: “Zyla tragically lost her life in the line of duty while doing a job that she loved.
“In memory of her unwavering dedication to her job, and her outstanding bravery, we wanted to honour her posthumously with this award, so everyone will remember her courage and her sacrifice.”
Chief constable Rob Nixon QPM said: “Zyla was not just a police dog, she was a protector of our communities, a skillful thief taker and a perfect partner to her handler.
“She was a valued member of our police family, she was courageous and brave, and we will never forget her service.”
Donations can be made to PD Zyla's fundraising appeal here.
Image © The Thin Blue Paw Foundation
