'˜Heroic' hound stole the show at Bedfordshire Police awards

While there was plenty of brilliance by officers, staff, volunteers and cadets to celebrate, it was Police Dog Finn who was centre stage - being rewarded for his bravery when suffering stab wounds protecting his handler from a knife-wielding suspect, with a huge bone to chew.

As a member of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit, Finn was eligible for a prize at the event which was held to mark all of the incredible work carried out for the force.

Winners included Boson - a dedicated team tackling gun, knife and gang crime across the county which received the Team of the Year Award.

In 2016 alone its officers have recovered 11 firearms, carried out a total of 61 search warrants, recovered 100 rounds of live ammunition, seized a large quantity of drugs and made more than 100 arrests.

They have also worked with a range of organisations to deflect young people away from a life of crime.

PC James Ashbourne was named Police Officer of the Year while Louise Shepherd became the first civilian winner of Investigator of the Year for her work helping to secure lengthy jail terms for rape and other sexual offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Sebire said: “This event is all about celebrating what is great about Bedfordshire Police - the heroism, bravery and professionalism we see day in and day out.

“The awards give us a chance to reflect on that work and to say thank you to those who have gone above and beyond to keep people safe.

“It is brilliant that the awards also encompass the whole policing family – we have officers, staff, volunteers, members of the public, and even a dog, all receiving awards and that just shows all that is great about Bedfordshire Police.”