A brave police dog named Finn is about to be honored with a memorial in a park in his home county, thanks to his incredible heroism and a deep bond with his handler, PC Dave Wardell.
Back in 2016, Finn, a German shepherd often called Police Dog (PD) Finn, put his life on the line to save PC Wardell during a dangerous encounter with an armed suspect in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The suspect was carrying a knife, and the situation could have ended tragically. Finn stepped in to protect his handler, suffering severe injuries in the process.
PC Wardell, who was also injured that day, later said, “If Finn hadn’t been there, I don’t even want to think about what could have happened. He saved my life.”
After the attack, Finn’s injuries were so serious that his survival seemed uncertain. But Finn showed remarkable strength and determination, making a full recovery. PC Wardell, who is now retired, also recovered from his injuries.
The suspect responsible for the attack was caught and sentenced, but the event left a lasting mark on both Finn and his handler.
The bond between Finn and PC Wardell was unbreakable. For eight years, they were a team, working side by side to keep their community safe. “You’ll know if you’ve ever had a special bond with a dog—or any animal,” PC Wardell said. “Finn wasn’t just a partner; he was family.”
After recovering, Finn continued working for a short time before retiring to a life of comfort and love. Sadly, he passed away in 2023 at the age of 14. But his legacy lives on, and now, thanks to a fundraising effort that raised £40,000, a permanent statue is being created to honor Finn and other service animals.
This memorial isn’t just about Finn’s bravery. It’s about recognizing all service animals that work tirelessly to protect and serve. PC Wardell has dedicated his time to advocating for these animals, even helping to bring about a significant change in the law.
In 2019, “Finn’s Law” was introduced, making it harder for people who harm service animals to claim they were acting in self-defense. It was a huge step forward in protecting these heroes.
Talking about the upcoming memorial, PC Wardell said, “This is very important and heartfelt. It’s something that will last long after I’m gone. If it weren’t for Finn, I wouldn’t be here today, talking to you. This, along with Finn’s Law, is his legacy.”
The memorial will include a statue that will tell Finn’s story and the stories of other police dogs who have served the nation. While PC Wardell has found the perfect sculptor for the job, he’s keeping their identity and the memorial’s exact location under wraps for now.
“It’s not the right time to reveal that yet,” he explained. “But this memorial will give people a place to visit, pay their respects, and learn about the incredible work these animals do.”
PC Wardell believes this memorial will inspire future generations to understand the value and bravery of service animals. “Finn’s story deserves to be remembered, not just for what he did for me, but for what he represents. These animals are heroes.”
What do you think of Finn’s story and his legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
