A memorial to a police dog who saved his handler’s life will soon stand in a park in his home county, a tribute that many believe is long overdue. The dog, a German shepherd named Finn, was not just a loyal companion but a partner who displayed extraordinary courage when it mattered most. Known formally as Police Dog (PD) Finn, he became a symbol of bravery after suffering near-fatal injuries in 2016 while protecting his handler, PC Dave Wardell, during a violent confrontation with an armed suspect in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
The night that changed everything came in the early hours of 5 October 2016. PC Wardell and Finn, then already an inseparable pair after eight years of service together, were tracking a suspected armed robber who had reportedly held up a taxi driver at gunpoint. The chase culminated in a terrifying encounter. As Wardell closed in, the suspect lashed out with a knife. Finn stepped between his handler and the attacker, taking the brunt of the assault. He suffered deep, life-threatening stab wounds, while Wardell himself was also injured. The attacker was later jailed, but the scars—both physical and emotional—remained for man and dog alike.
For Wardell, there was no question: without Finn’s fearless intervention, the outcome that night could have been far worse. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him,” Wardell has said on many occasions. His words capture both the gratitude and the deep bond that existed between them. Despite his horrific injuries, Finn fought to recover. Miraculously, he returned to duty for a brief period before eventually retiring, living out his final years as a beloved family dog until his passing in 2023 at the age of 14.
Finn’s story touched hearts across the United Kingdom and beyond. To many, he embodied the unwavering loyalty of service animals, creatures that cannot be asked to put their lives on the line, but do so instinctively out of loyalty and training. Wardell, who retired from the police force, dedicated himself to ensuring Finn’s legacy would be more than just a memory. His campaign extended beyond his own companion, focusing on the recognition of all service animals and the protections they deserve.
One of the most significant achievements of that campaign was the introduction of “Finn’s Law,” which came into effect in 2019. Before this legislation, individuals who harmed service animals could sometimes claim they acted in self-defence, a loophole that many felt devalued the sacrifice of animals like Finn. The new law made it far harder for offenders to escape accountability. For Wardell, seeing the law passed was a milestone: not only a personal tribute to his partner but a shield for countless other animals serving the police, armed forces, and emergency services.
But Wardell did not stop there. He wanted something tangible, something that would stand the test of time and allow future generations to learn about Finn’s bravery. A memorial statue became the next goal. Through tireless fundraising, the campaign raised around £40,000—an amount that reflected not only Wardell’s determination but also the public’s deep respect for Finn and other service animals.
Now, those plans are taking shape. Wardell has confirmed that a permanent statue of Finn will be placed in a park within his home county. He has chosen a sculptor capable of capturing the essence of Finn’s strength and loyalty, though details about the artist and the statue’s exact location remain under wraps for now. “This is heartfelt and very important, and it’s going to live well beyond my years,” Wardell explained. For him, the statue is not just a personal act of remembrance—it is a way for people across the community, and indeed the country, to pay their respects, reflect on the sacrifice of service animals, and learn about Finn’s story.
The statue will stand not only as a reminder of one dog’s heroism but also as a symbol for every service animal that has put itself in harm’s way to protect others. Wardell envisions a place where people can bring their families, tell their children about Finn, and in doing so, pass along the story of what loyalty and bravery can look like. “It’ll give future generations the opportunity to find out more about his legacy and other police dogs that serve this country so greatly,” he said.
For those who have ever shared their lives with a dog, Finn’s story resonates on an even deeper level. Wardell himself has described the connection in simple but powerful terms: “If you’ve had a special bond with a dog—or any animal—you’ll know.” It is that bond, a blend of trust, loyalty, and unconditional love, that makes Finn’s actions so moving. He did not think of himself; he thought only of protecting his handler, the man he trusted most.
Finn’s story has already inspired countless people. His bravery sparked national conversation, led to changes in law, and highlighted the often-overlooked risks faced by service animals. His upcoming memorial ensures that his legacy will not fade into the background of history but remain vivid, visible, and accessible to all. It will be a place where gratitude can be expressed, where admiration can be felt, and where people can remember that courage sometimes comes on four legs rather than two.
For Wardell, the statue represents closure as much as it does continuity. It is a way of saying thank you to his partner, while also passing forward the lesson that Finn taught through action: that loyalty and bravery are qualities worth honoring and remembering. Long after Wardell himself is gone, the statue will remain, silently telling the story of a dog who saved his handler’s life and, in doing so, changed the way a nation views its service animals.
Finn may no longer walk by Wardell’s side, but his spirit lives on—in the law that bears his name, in the lives of service animals who now enjoy greater protection, and soon, in a statue that will stand proudly for generations. For anyone who stops to read the plaque, to touch the bronze figure of a German shepherd, or simply to pause and reflect, the message will be clear: courage knows no species, and true loyalty never dies.
