The bond that exists between a police officer and their working dog isn't something that can be explained very easily. The knowledge that beside you is a well trained, efficient & loyal partner is the best feeling in the world. The satisfaction of working together to achieve things impossible by those officers without a dog is immeasurable. To seek out and detect criminals by scent alone, to chase and detain the most fleet of foot and to recover the proceeds of crime where others have failed is an incredible ability and only achievable by those police officers with a canine companion.
When the inevitable time comes where our canine partner is taken from us it leaves a void that can never be filled. If that time comes before the end of the dogs natural life and as a result of the dogs courage and commitment to protecting its police partner and the public, then it is even harder to bear.
It is with those police dogs who have made the ultimate sacrifice in mind that this page has been created, so that their names and acts of courage are not forgotten.
Trust in me for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath.
when all others have left you
and the loneliness of the night closes in,
I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all obstacles
and search out those who might wish harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion and
the caring touch of your hands.
It is for you that I will selflessly give my life
and spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
may be marked by the passing of the seasons,
know that being at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by
the coming and going of your footsteps.
I anticipate them at the opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill,
the voice of authority over me when I've done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly
For I am your right arm, the sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me.
I seek only to please you and remain in your favour.
We experience a bond only others like us understand.
When outsiders see us together
their envy will be measured by their disdain.
I will quietly listen to you and pass no judgement.
Nor will your spoken words be repeated.
I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, ever loyal.
And when our time together is done
and you move on in the world,
remember me with kind thoughts and tales.
For a time we were unbeatable,
nothing passed among us undetected.
If we should ever meet again on another field
I will gladly take up your fight.
I am a Police Dog and together
We are the GUARDIANS of the NIGHT