A brave police dog named Finn, who once saved his handler’s life, is being honored with a special memorial in his home county. Finn’s story is one of courage, loyalty, and a bond that changed lives.
Back in 2016, Finn, a German shepherd also known as Police Dog (PD) Finn, was working alongside his handler, PC Dave Wardell. One fateful night in October, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, the pair were chasing a suspect armed with a knife. The suspect had threatened a taxi driver with a gun, and Finn and PC Wardell were determined to catch him.
During the confrontation, the suspect turned violent. Finn bravely lunged at the attacker to protect his handler. In the chaos, Finn was stabbed, and PC Wardell was also injured. Despite his critical wounds, Finn’s bravery prevented his handler from suffering even worse injuries.
“It was Finn who stepped in when it mattered most,” PC Wardell later said. “He saved my life that night.”
The bond between Finn and PC Wardell had always been strong. For eight years, they worked side by side, never leaving each other’s side. After the attack, both of them faced a long road to recovery, but their determination and love for each other kept them going.
The attacker was caught and sent to prison, but the incident left a lasting impact on PC Wardell. Finn, after recovering, returned to duty for a short time before retiring. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 14.
To honor Finn’s incredible heroism, PC Wardell has worked tirelessly to create a legacy for his beloved partner. His efforts led to a new law in 2019 called “Finn’s Law.” This law makes it harder for people to avoid punishment by claiming self-defense when harming service animals.
Now, PC Wardell is leading a campaign to build a permanent statue in memory of Finn. Through fundraising, he has collected nearly £40,000 to bring this dream to life. The statue will honor Finn and other service animals who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Speaking about the memorial, PC Wardell said, “If it weren’t for Finn, I wouldn’t be here today, talking to you. This, along with Finn’s Law, is his legacy.”
PC Wardell has chosen a sculptor to create the memorial but is keeping the artist’s name and the location a secret for now. “This is very important and heartfelt,” he said. “It will last well beyond my years.”
The statue will give people a place to visit, pay respects, and learn about Finn’s story. “Future generations will be able to understand the legacy of Finn and other police dogs who play such an important role in our nation,” PC Wardell added.
Finn’s story is one of true heroism and the unbreakable bond between a handler and his dog. What do you think of this incredible tale of loyalty and courage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!