A park in Hertfordshire will soon have a special memorial for a heroic police dog who once saved his handler’s life. Finn, a brave German shepherd, will be honored with a statue after a community fundraising effort. His owner, retired police officer Dave Wardell, says it’s a fitting tribute to a dog who gave everything to protect him and others.
Back in 2016, PC Wardell and Finn were working together on a dangerous case in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. They were searching for an armed suspect accused of threatening a taxi driver with a gun. It was a tense October night, and Finn’s sharp instincts led them straight to the suspect.
When they confronted the young man, he was holding a knife. The encounter quickly turned violent. As the suspect lunged, Finn jumped in front of PC Wardell to shield him. The loyal dog was gravely injured, stabbed in the chest and head, but he didn’t back down. Thanks to Finn’s actions, the suspect was subdued, but not before PC Wardell was also injured.
After the incident, both Finn and PC Wardell faced a long road to recovery. The bond they shared only grew stronger. “You’ll know if you’ve had a special bond with a dog—or any animal,” Mr. Wardell said. “Finn wasn’t just my partner; he was my best friend.”
Finn’s heroic story touched hearts across the nation. In 2019, his bravery inspired a new law known as “Finn’s Law.” This law makes it harder for anyone who harms service animals to claim self-defense. It was a big step forward in protecting working animals who risk their lives for others.
Even after retiring from the police force, Finn continued to bring joy to those around him. He lived a happy life until he passed away in 2023 at the age of 14. His passing left a void, but his legacy lives on.
To honor Finn and other service animals, Mr. Wardell launched a campaign to build a memorial. The community came together and raised an impressive £40,000 for the project. Now, the plans for Finn’s statue are moving forward.
Mr. Wardell has found a talented sculptor to create the statue but is keeping the details under wraps for now. “This is very important and heartfelt,” he shared. “It will endure well beyond my years.”
The statue will be a place where people can visit, pay their respects, and hear Finn’s incredible story. “If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today, talking to you,” Mr. Wardell said. “This memorial, along with Finn’s Law, is his legacy.”
The memorial will also serve to educate future generations about the vital role of police dogs. “These dogs are so important to this nation,” Mr. Wardell added. “Their courage and dedication deserve to be remembered.”
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