Bravely leading a police team into a terrorist cell raid, Diesel the police dog was killed in action. Recently Diesel was awarded the highest animal award in the world for his gallant behavior. The Dickin Medal is considered the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, which is the highest military decoration awarded for valor “in the face of the enemy.”
Killed In Action
The French Research, Assistance, Intervention and Deterrence unit was put together to help search for and investigate possible terrorists involved in the November 13th attacks on Paris. Diesel was part of this group and was sent into an apartment that they were searching. Inside the apartment a group of terrorists shot and killed Diesel who may have saved his handler life by entering the apartment first. Diesel was sent into the apartment because there had been gun fire emanating from the apartment already and they were wanting to see if the shooting had subsided, unfortunately Diesel was shot in the process of clearing the rooms. French police were able to find and deal with perpetrators involved with the terrorist attacks on Paris because of Diesel's brave sacrifice in the line of duty.
Recognizing A Fallen Hero
No matter how small or seemingly insignificant animal lives are to some people animals who die in the line of duty with police or military efforts are in fact heroes. Many times these animals die giving their handlers and others in their team a chance to survive. So when news of Diesel's death in the line of action surfaced people took to social media showing solidarity with his actions and heroics. The Director General Jan McLoughlin of People's Dispensary for Sick Animals was moved by the people who united on social media across the world sharing hashtags that said JeSuisChien or “I am dog” across the internet. She understands the valuable part of bringing down the terrorists that Diesel played and says that PDSA is honored to recognize his heroic act. PDSA are the group who determine and hand out the Dickin Medal to animals who earn them and they recognize those animals accordingly. The Dickin Medal is awarded to animals who show devotion to duty in the line of duty during conflict. Director General McLoughlin recognizes that through Diesel's effort a human life was saved in the face of imminent danger and she reports that they are honored to be able to recognize his sacrifice. Only thirty dogs, including Diesel, have ever been awarded the Dickin Medal since it's introduction in 1943. There has also been awards given to thirty-two messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat since the Dicken Medal was first introduced. Maria Dickin who was the founder of the PDSA is who the medal was named after.
A Ceremony For A Hero
The Dickin Medal will be presented to Diesel in 2016. Allowing time to prepare a formal presentation fitting of a true hero. After Diesel's death Russia sent France a police dog in honor of the sacrifice Diesel made and to show France their solidarity through the difficult time.