Police dog Gage posthumously awarded PDSA Gold Medal for life saving act

22 August 2013 - “Delta One to Comms….I’ve got a gunshot wound to the head….can you tell my boss that my dog is dead please.”

Senior Constable Bruce Lamb’s brief police radio update to colleagues with the news his police dog Gage had been fatally shot in what should have been a routine drugs search in a Christchurch house.

Instead, Gage had leapt into the path of a bullet, helping to save the life of his handler and that of Constable Mitchell Alatalo who was also injured during the incident in Buccleugh Street, Christchurch, on 13 July 2010.

Gage’s bravery and sacrifice is being recognised internationally today by a UK based veterinary charity with the posthumous award of the PDSA Gold Medal, respected as the animals’ George Cross – the highest honour for ‘civilian’ bravery.

Senior Constable Lamb will receive the award on Gage’s behalf in Christchurch from His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae GNZM, QSO, Governor General of New Zealand.

Gage’s name now joins a list of 22 animal heroes who have previously been awarded the prestigious PDSA Gold Medal for bravery and devotion to duty.

For details about the PDSA Gold Medal and the award go to www.pdsa.org.uk/goldmedal

ENDS

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