Royal Air Force dogs awarded 'animal OBE'
Alfie worked with the Number 4 RAF Police (Typhoon) Squadron for six years.
Two Royal Air Force Police dogs have been honoured for “exemplary service to society” with an award known as the ‘animal OBE’.
The PDSA Order of Merit was presented to the dogs and their handlers in a special ceremony on Thursday (11 August) for their service to the Number 4 RAF Police (Typhoon) Squadron.
English spaniel Alfie qualified as an arms and explosives search military working dog in April 2011, and worked with the Number 4 RAF Police (Typhoon) Squadron until 1 July 2017 where he retired from the service.
Alfie completed more than 600 hours of operation searching during his career, resulting in four, live high-profile finds of arms, ammunition, explosives, and bomb-making equipment. Among his many finds included two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Labrador AJ joined the Number 4 RAF Police (Typhoon) Squadron in 2014. During his six years of service, he conducted more than 1,000 search hours, resulting in eight live high-profile operational finds of arms, ammunition, explosives and bomb-making equipment.
AJ located four IEDs and buried bomb-making equipment, all of which may have posed a threat to the Armed Forces, Police and public safety. He is now also enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
Highly regarded by their peers in the RAF Police & Security Squadron, Alfie and AJ’s records were the best in their field for the number of search hours, searches and operational finds.
Provost Marshal (RAF) Group Captain David Wilkinson, who joined the dogs for their medals, said of the duo: “Alfie and AJ were truly outstanding members of the team, performing impeccably during their careers. They regularly worked in challenging and dangerous situations but never faltering in their duty. They are a credit to the Royal Air Force.
“It’s a huge honour for Alfie and AJ to be awarded the PDSA Order of Merit. To have their actions recognised in this way is truly fantastic and I am immensely proud of everything they both achieved.”
PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, added: “It is with great pride that we award Alfie and AJ the PDSA Order of Merit today. They have both had exemplary careers, playing a pivotal role in the vital work of the RAF Squadron and providing outstanding service to society.
“Through the PDSA Animal Awards programme, we seek to raise the status of animals in society and honour the incredible contribution they make to our lives. Alfie and AJ’s extraordinary work warrants the highest recognition, making them worthy recipients of the PDSA Order of Merit.”
The PDSA Order of Merit, instituted in 2014, recognises animals who display outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society, above and beyond normal companionship. There have been 32 recipients of the award to date, including 12 horses and 20 dogs.
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