Four police dogs are being recognized for their bravery and service at the annual Thin Blue Paw Awards ceremony held in London. The event, hosted at the Kennel Club, honored Jasper, Frankie, Boss, and Captain for their outstanding contributions alongside their handlers.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which supports active and retired police dogs, selected this year’s recipients from a highly competitive field of nominations. Foundation founder Kieran Stanbridge praised the dogs’ dedication, skill, and courage, noting their remarkable impact in law enforcement operations across the country.

One of the most notable awardees is Jasper, a seven-year-old spaniel whose journey into policing began after he was found as a stray and taken in by Dogs Trust Darlington. Jasper became Cleveland Police’s first victim detection dog and partnered with PC Liam Sewell. Throughout his career, Jasper assisted in locating the bodies of six missing persons. His work in the search for 20-year-old Annie Dryden, who had been missing from her Middlesbrough home for more than three months, earned him the Beyond Duty Award.

In April 2024, PC Sewell and Jasper were assisting North Yorkshire Police by walking the perimeter of a search area when Jasper discovered Dryden’s body. This discovery brought closure to her grieving family and highlighted the crucial role police dogs play in challenging investigations.

The awards aim to shed light on the vital roles police dogs perform, ranging from apprehending armed suspects to supporting search and rescue operations. Alongside the dogs themselves, their handlers were recognized for the teamwork and trust necessary for successful policing.

This year’s ceremony continues to underscore the importance of canine units within law enforcement and the Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s commitment to their welfare, both during duty and in retirement.