A FORMER West Mercia police dog (PD) who saved the life of his handler has received a national bravery award.

At a special ceremony held in Birmingham on Friday, PD Bacca was presented with a Gold Medal Award – the canine equivalent of the George Cross – from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).

Police Constable Mike Davey, PD Bacca's handler, accepted the medal and certificate on behalf of his canine companion.

The award follows an incident in June 2018, in Herefordshire, when in the early hours of the morning, a man armed with a knife was smashing shop windows.

As PC Davey attempted to stop him, the knife was used by the man and PC Davey suffered injuries to his hands.

PD Bacca was also slashed a number of times during the incident, but despite his injuries, he returned to protect his handler – which helped bring down the perpetrator.

Both PC Davey and PD Bacca retired from the force in February and are now happily enjoying their retirement together.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Wessell congratulated PD Bacca for his well deserved award.

He said: "Congratulations to PD Bacca for being awarded the PDSA gold medal - an award he so richly deserves.

"Our police dogs, although trained extensively to deal with all sorts of incidents, do, on a daily basis, put their own safety on the line to protect not only their handlers but the communities in which we live.

"Back in June 2018, PD Bacca and his handler Mike faced a particularly difficult incident and had to deal with a dangerous armed suspect.

"Not only was PD Bacca injured but Mike was too, and the extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty that PD Bacca showed that day has certainly been recognised through this award.

"My thanks go to the PDSA who do so much to care for sick and injured animals for people who struggle with the high cost of veterinary bills and for recognising the heroic actions of our serving animals through its Animal Awards Programme," he added.

"With organisations such as this and the recent implementation of Finn's Law, our serving animals are receiving more and more recognition for the sacrifice they make in protecting all of us.

"It is only right that we too protect these animals by bringing those to justice who can cause significant harm to them.

"I was honoured to be able to attend this event alongside PC Davey and PD Bacca to witness them receiving such a prestigious award, and one the entire Dog Section within West Mercia Police will be intensely proud of."