An extraordinary Police Dog, responsible for sniffing out more than £5 million in cash, firearms and drugs, has been posthumously presented with the PDSA Order of Merit – the animal equivalent of the OBE – yesterday, Wednesday 29 April 2015.
Jake, a Springer Spaniel, was due to receive the PDSA Order of Merit alongside his handler yesterday, but sadly passed away suddenly, aged 13, just weeks before the presentation.
Sky News presenter Kay Burley led the celebrations to honour Jake, who was recognised for his outstanding service to Warwickshire Police over a ten year career. Jake made over 500 operational finds including assault rifles, shotguns, hand guns, over £650,000 worth of banknotes and over £4.5 million in illegal drugs.
The PDSA Order of Merit* is awarded to any animal which merits recognition for exceptional acts of devotion and represents outstanding examples of the special relationship that exists between animals and humans.
This is only the second ever presentation of the award: the first being for the Metropolitan Police dogs and horses that served during the London riots of 2011. Gwen, a currently-serving Police Dog with Warwickshire Police, was presented with the award at Goldsmiths Hall today in London, on Jake’s behalf.
Jake’s career with Warwickshire Police began at 18-months-old, when he underwent a four-week intensive course to train him to search and identify drugs. Jake went on to complete similar courses to find firearms, ammunition and banknotes. After graduation, he was partnered with PC Andy Crouch and the pair stayed together throughout Jake’s illustrious career.
Jake worked at some high-profile events, including royal visits, the Olympic Games, the Cheltenham Gold Cup Festival and major music events, such as Glastonbury.
At one music festival Jake found over £2,000 worth of well-concealed cannabis on a tour bus, resulting in the delay of the headline act. On another occasion he intercepted a car heading into a festival, leaping through an open window to uncover £1,000 worth of cocaine, hidden underneath the centre console.
PC Crouch said: “Jake worked tirelessly and performed thousands of searches. Even after his retirement, he loved playing and we would often set up ‘finds’ for him to seek out, to keep him stimulated. Jake would have carried on working, given half the chance, but it was important for him to take some time out. He was a joy to work with and I doubt that many handlers will find a dog so willing to work and to please.
“My family and I are devastated to lose Jake, especially so close to this award being presented. But I am very proud to be here with Gwen, to accept the award on his behalf. Jake’s award will take pride of place in our home, along with his Police Commendation and his Force tag, which he wore every day for ten years.”
PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Jake’s contribution to Warwickshire Police has been truly remarkable. His track-record was astounding and we are delighted to honour his fantastic career in this way.
“The PDSA Order of Merit was created to ensure that extraordinary animal contributions can be properly recognised and honoured, however and wherever they occur. Animals play a vital role in society, whether as pets, as assistance animals, or within our police and armed forces. This award recognises their contribution and celebrates that special bond that exists between humans and animals”.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Ball, who nominated Jake for the PDSA Order of Merit, was there to witness the award being presented:
“Jake’s service and achievements over the last ten years have been a great cause of pride in the force. PC Crouch and Jake formed a formidable team and there is no doubt that some serious criminals have been thwarted by Jake’s finely-tuned nose. He was an exceptional little dog and we are thrilled to see him recognised and decorated as part of PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme.”
Jake retired in August 2014 and spent his days at home with Andy, his wife Claire and daughter Lydia, and their four other dogs. Jake passed away suddenly in March 2015.
PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity and is dedicated to providing vital care for hundreds of thousands of pets. With 51 Pet Hospitals across the UK, providing care for over 470,000 animals a year, PDSA is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of owners. Since it was established in 1917, the charity has provided 100 million free treatments to more than 20 millions pets in need.
For more information about the PDSA Order of Merit and its recipients, visit pdsa.org.uk/orderofmerit.
Watch video from the presentation at: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/girlfriend-hero-police-dog-who-5600695
