A tribute to Police Dog Finn, who heroically saved his handler’s life, will soon be installed in a park in his home county, as confirmed by his owner.
Finn, a German shepherd also known as PD Finn, endured severe injuries in 2016 when he intervened during an armed confrontation in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, to protect his handler, PC Dave Wardell. PC Wardell, who has since retired, was stabbed during the incident but believes Finn’s brave actions prevented even more serious harm. – Watch Video Below
Despite recovering from the ordeal and continuing his service briefly, Finn passed away in 2023 at the age of 14. Following a successful fundraising campaign, efforts are underway to create a permanent statue in Finn’s honor.
On the early morning of October 5, 2016, PC Wardell and Finn were searching for a suspect who had recently robbed a taxi driver at gunpoint. The chase culminated in a violent encounter, resulting in Finn being critically injured and PC Wardell suffering a stab wound. Although both recovered, the event left a lasting impact. – Watch Video Below
Since retiring, PC Wardell has championed a memorial for Finn and other service animals, advocating for greater recognition of their sacrifices. His efforts led to the enactment of “Finn’s Law” in 2019, which makes it more difficult for those who injure service animals to claim self-defense.
Wardell’s fundraising for the memorial garnered around £40,000, enabling the creation of a tribute to Finn and other service animals. “If you’ve shared a special bond with a dog or any animal, you’ll understand,” Wardell remarked about the upcoming memorial. “I owe my life to him,” he added, reflecting on Finn’s enduring impact. – Watch Video Below
Wardell has identified a sculptor to realize Finn’s tribute but has chosen not to disclose details about the artist or the memorial’s location at this time. “This memorial is deeply meaningful and will outlast my own years,” he said. “It will offer people a place to honor Finn and learn about his legacy and the vital role of police dogs in our country.”
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