'Hero' police dog wins bravery award

German Shepherd Astro received the Outstanding Bravery Award after jumping to defend his handler, PC Grace Feavyour, during a confrontational arrest in 2021.

Four-year-old Astro was 'injured as he protected his handler but continued to keep hold of the suspect. What a hero!'

PC Grace Feavyour said: “I am so proud of him for winning this award. He is an extremely loyal dog and we have a very special bond.

“While on shift one night last year we were called to respond to an incident in which the man believed to be the suspect was still at the scene. As he attempted to resist arrest Astro jumped to defend me and was then assaulted as a result.

“It was horrible to watch and I was so worried about him being seriously injured but thankfully he was okay.”

The duo have been responsible for tracking down a number of outstanding suspects, locating missing people, uncovering stolen property, weapons and important evidence as part of a murder investigation.

Their success has also led to Astro being named as the force’s best Operational Police Dog in 2021.

Inspector Cara Guest-Moore from the force’s Tactical Dogs and Firearms Unit said: “Grace and Astro are a formidable duo and become quite a crime-fighting team. The loyalty Astro has for Grace has no bounds putting himself at risk to protect his handler.

“To also be recognised nationally through the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for their teamwork and Astro’s bravery is a true honour and one I know Grace is very modest about.”