Retired police dog wins national award for saving lives in central Scotland

A retired police dog and her handler have been presented with a national award for saving lives in central Scotland.

Luna, a 10-year-old German Shepherd, and Constable Linda McBride have been recognised with the Lifesaver award from the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for the 38 lives they have helped saved while working together. This is believed to be higher than most general purpose police dogs.

The pair received the award at a ceremony in Knebworth Park in Hertfordshire, England, on Thursday, 22 September, 2022.

It marks a fitting end to Luna’s career, who retired in June 2022, after being based in the Larbert area for her eight years of service. While Constable McBride continues in her 29th year of service, Luna celebrated retirement with her first ever holiday where she enjoyed playing on the beach and swimming in the sea.

Constable McBride said: “Luna was an exceptional police dog to work alongside and I’m very proud of her. She would continue to work if the choice was hers.

“Luna gained respect from dog handlers, frontline colleagues and management over the years due to her incredible natural ability to locate people quickly.

“It’s a lovely ending to her police career.”

Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison, head of Specialist Services, said: “The bond between all of our police dogs and their handlers is amazing and the hours of training put in to achieve that is incredible. They put in a huge amount of hard work and commitment into what they do.

“I’m delighted that Luna and Linda have been recognised nationally for their service.”