Two remarkable police dogs have been honoured for their exceptional contributions to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the greater Southeast Queensland community in a heart-warming ceremony.
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) Club of Queensland Show, held in Durack earlier this month, was attended by a large contingent of community members and saw the prestigious awards presented to the handlers by swim legend, Dawn Fraser AC, MBE, who serves as the patron of the GSD Council of Australia.
The GSD Club of Queensland has been actively involved in acknowledging the outstanding achievements of service dogs, and these awards specifically recognised the incredible work carried out in Queensland.
The two police dogs, Zorro and Etta, received the Outstanding Canine Service Award.
The first recipient of the award was PD Zorro, who is handled by Senior Constable Cain Simms. Zorro is a QPS-bred German Shepherd who achieved his PD accreditation in November 2016 at the age of 17 months.
Now eight years old, Zorro is set to retire in 2023 after a highly distinguished career, during which he has established himself as one of the QPS’s finest tracking dogs. Zorro’s exceptional service to the Queensland community spans multiple regions, including Brisbane, Moreton, Ipswich, Darling Downs, and Townsville.
He has successfully located numerous individuals involved in various crimes, including homicide, armed robbery, property offences, and has also assisted in finding vulnerable persons. Zorro’s reputation proceeds him, as his resume would indicate, consistently showcasing his remarkable dedication and effectiveness as a police dog.
The second recipient of the award was PD Etta, who is handled by Senior Constable Andrew Campbell. Etta is a three-year-old German Shepherd specially bred and developed by the QPS for the vital role of technology detection.
Etta’s unique occupation involves locating and detecting technology devices, such as sim cards, USB sticks, and phones, which are often used by individuals involved in organised crime and child exploitation offenses. These devices are typically small and easily hidden, making them challenging to find but crucial as evidence to apprehend suspects.
Etta was selected from a litter of 10 puppies and underwent rigorous training, eventually becoming the first technology detection dog in the QPS. Her impeccable skills have been instrumental in complex investigations involving homicide, child exploitation, and organised crime.
GSD Club of Queensland representative, Annie Tamblyn, expressed her gratitude to police dogs, Zorro and Etta, and their handlers for their service.
“The German Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland proudly acknowledges the outstanding contributions of Zorro, Etta, and their handlers,” she said.
“They exemplify the essence of bravery, loyalty, and service.
“Their bravery and relentless pursuit of justice has made our community safer, reminding us of the invaluable contributions of our four-legged protectors.
“The awards to both PD Zorro, PD Etta and their handlers, is the recognition for their contribution to not only the QPS, but to the greater community of Southeast Queensland.”
As police dog Zorro prepares to embark on a well-deserved retirement, having left a permanent mark on the QPS, and Etta continues her pioneering work in technology detection, their legacies will serve as an inspiration to future generations of service dogs and handlers.
