Force pays tribute to 'loveable' police dog

PD Buzz became a fully licensed police dog in 2021

West Midlands Police has paid tribute to a serving police dog that died of a heart attack.

PD Buzz died on 14 September at the age of five years old, leaving handler PC Matt Thompson and family "devastated".

In 2023, Buzz and PC Thompson achieved a firearms support dog licence and have since detained countless criminals together.

The force said it was "deeply saddened" by Buzz's passing.

Buzz was also PC Thompson's family pet.

A tribute, posted on the West Midlands Police website, said Buzz was "the perfect balance of a police dog with hilarious quirks" and "loveable family pup."

Insp Leanne Chapman from the force's dog unit said: “Buzz was a fantastic police dog and did all of us at WMP proud, but especially his handler Matt.

“The bond between a handler and their dog is unbelievably strong and I know Matt and his family are devastated.

“Police dogs are an incredible asset to our police force and their skills are unmatched. Buzz will be missed – thank you for your service.”