Recognition For Brave Police Dog And Handler

A BRAVE police dog who was injured while apprehending an offender has been praised along with his handler by the force and South Yorkshire Police Federation.

PD Benson and his handler PC Terry Davidson were presented a Good Work Minute by Operational Support Unit’s Chief Inspector Darren Starkey for their courage and commitment in apprehending an offender during a violent domestic incident.

The pair were assisting colleagues with a wanted man who had become violent and destructive to property. When they tracked him down they found him armed with a glass bottle. The man’s friend then released a pitbull-type dog, which attacked PD Benson.

Terry said: “PD Benson received cuts to his face and muzzle area from the dog, but despite being attacked and suffering pain he did not lose focus of his task.”

Eventually the man’s friend recalled his dog, and PD Benson caught up with the wanted man so that he could be arrested.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “It’s a great example of what we do, day in, day out. It shows the dangers that our officers and police dogs face and the sheer length people would go to evade getting locked up or getting dealt with. The poor dog received cuts from the pitbull. PD Benson is as much a part of the team as any police officer.”