The American Kennel Club (AKC) announced its AKC Paw of Courage award recipients and included in this year's list is K9 Officer Aren of the Port Authority of Allegheny County Police Department in Pennsylvania.
The award recognizes the extraordinary sacrifices of dogs who have been severely injured or killed in the line of duty.
In a press release, AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo said, "These canine heroes have proven to be fearless and devoted. "They continuously put their lives on the line without hesitation and each of these dogs has made a significant sacrifice in the line of duty to protect us. They have truly touched the lives of many and we are proud to honor them with the AKC Paw of Courage as a symbol of our gratitude.”
Aren was a 5-year-old German Shepherd Dog at the Port Authority that was stabbed to death during an apprehension in January, 2016. Aren, along with his handler Officer Brian O'Malley and other officers, had engaged a subject in a foot pursuit following an incident at the Wilkinsburg transit station. Aren located the subject and was released to attempt an apprehension when the subject stabbed Aren.
Aren had been trained in patrol tactics, explosive detection, and SWAT K9 operations. He assisted in numerous arrests throughout the transit system, as well as performing daily explosive sweeps.
Aren was a treasured officer and will always be remembered by the Port Authority of Allegheny County Police.
The other recipients of the AKC Paw of Courage this year:
- K9 Officer Nicky of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department
- K9 Officer Jethro of Canton Police Department
- K9 Officer Patrick of Washington State Patrol
- K9 Officer Tryko of Doraville Police Department
