QUEENSLAND POLICE DOG ‘Zac’

PD Zac and his handler Senior Constable Phil Cowling

Awarded the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia

2010 Outstanding Canine Service Award

 

Police Dog Zac honoured with state award

As Police Dog (PD) Zac prepares for retirement early next year, his continued excellent service to the Queensland public has been honoured with a prestigious award.

Today, the German Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland awarded eight-year-old PD Zac an Achievement award, in recognition of his six years of service with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said Zac was an exceptional police dog who had played an integral role in many cases.

“Zac has been a very busy police dog and was even part of yesterday’s (Friday 13 July) capture of an escaped prisoner in Oxley,” Mr Dempsey said.

“He was stabbed in an attempt to apprehend a woman in 2009 and has received several awards throughout his career, including a national bravery award in 2010 and the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action in February 2012.”

“This additional award highlights the high standard of police dogs we have here in Queensland and recognises the great sacrifices our dogs make to the community. Zac has had a great career to date with the QPS, and is greatly respected by all those who have worked with him.”

Following his graduation from the Police Dog Training Unit in 2006, PD Zac served in the Mackay District Dog Squad before being transferred to the Brisbane Dog Squad in 2009, where he has remained.

In addition to working as a General Purpose Police Dog, PD Zac has also been used in the police dog breeding program, siring nine puppies.

The award was presented at midday today during the opening ceremony of the two-day event held at the Dogs Queensland Dog Complex in Durack.

He was accompanied by his handler Senior Constable Phil Cowling and Acting Inspector Tim Partrige.

July 14, 2012. (View the story link)