A brave police dog was stabbed by a knife-wielding thug as he battled to save the life of his handler.
PC Mike Davey was being viciously attacked with the 10-inch blade in Bromyard, Herefordshire, on June 6 last year when brave Bacca sprung into action.
The courageous pooch was slashed and stabbed but refused to let the yob get away and managed to detain him.
Bacca has now been awarded the PDSA’s Gold Medal – described as the animal equivalent of the George Cross – in a ceremony in Birmingham today, Birmingham Live reports.
His bravery was captured in the officer's body-worn camera footage, which showed the full horror on the attack.
PC Davey said: “Seeing Bacca recognised with such a prestigious award is truly fantastic.
"A year on from the incident and I am still in awe of his actions that night.
"He was attacked, repeatedly, and seriously injured, yet he continued to do his job. To me it highlights what a truly remarkable police dog he was throughout his career.
“He was there when I needed him – as he was for the eight years we worked together, and still is now in retirement – and I have no doubt that he saved my life that night.”
PC Davey had been responding to an incident during the early hours of the morning where a man armed with a knife was smashing shop windows.
As he attempted to disarm him, the distressed suspect lashed out with the knife – causing PC Davey to suffer injuries to his hands.
PD Bacca was stabbed during the incident but returned to protect PC Davey before eventually helping to bring down the perpetrator in an alleyway.
The dog sustained a number of wounds to his head and neck, which required emergency veterinary treatment including stitches following the incident.
Both PC Davey and PD Bacca retired from the force in February and are now happily enjoying their retirement together.
Assistant chief constable Geoff Wessell, of West Mercia Police, added: "Congratulations to PD Bacca for being awarded the PDSA gold medal – an award he so richly deserves.
"Our police dogs, although trained extensively to deal with all sorts of incidents do, on a daily basis, put their own safety on the line to protect not only their handlers but the communities in which we live.
"Back in June 2018, PD Bacca and his handler Mike faced a particularly difficult incident and had to deal with a dangerous armed suspect.
"Not only was PD Bacca injured but Mike was too, and the extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty that PD Bacca showed that day has certainly been recognised through this award.
"On behalf of the force, thank you to Bacca and Mike."
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