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RPD Bear saves a life on his 12th birthday
A retired police dog who was out enjoying a birthday walk showed how these unsung heroes never forget their skills – after locating a missing, vulnerable man in the undergrowth and leading him to safety.
RPD Bear was out with his owners – both retired police officers – in the South Downs, near Eastbourne, on 28 November (2024) to celebrate his 12th birthday. Even more astounding, it was the German Shepherd’s first walk for several weeks after recovering from major surgery to remove two tumours.
Bear – who now volunteers as a wellbeing dog for police staff – worked as a general purpose dog with Sussex Police until his retirement in 2020, when Julia adopted him.
Bear had already recovered previously from major surgery, when in 2023 he suddenly lost the use of his rear legs and needed surgery to repair herniated discs in his spine – thought to have been caused by the physical strain his career had on his body.
He needed specialist surgery, costing more than £8,000, and hydrotherapy to recover – and we contributed to the overall cost.
Bear is registered with our Foundation which means we’ll be there for him and Julia if they need us with any unexpected veterinary bills or medication that could improve his quality of life and help him enjoy retirement.
While he may be living the quieter life now, Bear showed that he still has a nose for the job when he found the man in an isolated area on a cold day, and led him to safety.
Julia said: “Bear suddenly went into work mode, stopped, and dragged us towards an area of dense undergrowth where we found the confused and cold vulnerable man who had fallen over and couldn’t get up.
“I’m not sure he would have survived the night had Bear not have found him and searching police hadn’t been able to locate him.”
Bear’s amazing story captured the hearts of the nation and his life-saving adventure was featured by media from all over the world, including the British press, Canadian radio, and American TV. Now he can add international superstar to his resume, too!
Bear was presented with the Thin Blue Paw Lifesaver Award in December 2024 by Jo Shiner, Chief Constable of Sussex Police and the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CStJ, in the company of our Co-Founder and Chairman, Kieran Stanbridge.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner who presented retired police dog Bear with his award shared these words about this achievement: “I was proud to present PD Bear with a Lifesaver Award for his heroic work to locate a man in distress.
“It is incredible Bear is continuing to inspire us with his skills, and caps a remarkable career of service even after his well-earned retirement from the force in 2020.
“Bear’s story is a testament to the high standards achieved by all of our police dogs and their handlers in Sussex, and demonstrates our commitment to helping the public and serving our communities.”
You can watch RPD Bear and Julia on Good Morning Britain here.
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