Remembrance event for PD Zyla who died on duty

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We honoured the late PD Zyla with a special posthumous bravery award at a remembrance event in Leicester to pay tribute to her sacrifice.

Two-year-old Leicestershire Police dog Zyla died on 3 July (2024) when she was chasing a suspect, they both entered the water, and she was pulled out unresponsive, later dying at the vets. She’d been a police dog for just six months.

A memorial service was held at police HQ on 22 August where we presented her handler with the special Thin Blue Paw Outstanding Bravery Award.

Zyla’s half-brother, PD Nash, still serves with Leicestershire Police and attended the ceremony.

Our chairman and co-founder Kieran Stanbridge attended the ceremony and presented the award. He said: “Zyla tragically lost her life in the line of duty while doing a job that she loved.

“In memory of her unwavering dedication to her job, and her outstanding bravery, we wanted to honour her posthumously with this award, so everyone will remember her courage and her sacrifice.”

Zyla’s handler requested donations be made to our Foundation in her memory so her legacy would live on.

We also provided special memorial patches to the rest of the Leicestershire Police dog unit so PD Zyla’s name would live on through her four-legged comrades.

PD Zyla’s handler paid her respects to her partner, writing: “To my faithful Zyla, my crew mate and friend – our girl. I will forever hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain as life goes on without you, but will never be the same.

“Zyla you were loved by all who met you, you were the perfect partner, the perfect family member, you were our girl who would stop at nothing to ensure your mum made it home safely.

“You were a fantastic police dog with a bright future, but you were so much more. You did your duty, played your final game.

“Zyla I love you, I miss you, I thank you – you will always be our special girl.”

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