Crimefighting duo win award for teamwork such as tackling man with knife

A POLICE dog and her handler have been honoured with a top award for their exceptional teamwork keeping the people of East Surrey safe, including tackling a knifeman in a busy town centre at school leaving time.

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The Surrey Police team of PC Marissa Barwell and Police Dog (PD) Ella have worked together for more than four years and they have now been given the Crimefighting Duo Award at the Thin Blue Paw Awards.

A five-year-old German shepherd dog, Ella works as a general purpose and firearms support dog.

The event was organised by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity that protects and supports serving and retired police dogs across the UK.

PC Barwell, 33, said: "It's such a surprise to win this award. I didn't expect it at all. I feel lucky to do a job that I love and enjoy, and it's even better because the dogs enjoy it so much.

I'm hugely privileged to work on the dog section; this job becomes your life at home as well as when you go to work."