Police Dog Kaos ends career with Outstanding Canine Service Award
“Kaos is my best mate”: An unbreakable bond between a police officer and his police dog has formed the foundation for a career held in the highest regard.
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An eight-year-old police dog that put the bite on two alleged thieves despite a 12cm stab wound to the throat has been awarded the highest honour possible for a German Shepherd in Australia, but it’s the exceptional bond with his handler that defines his excellence.
Police Dog Kaos has been awarded the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia (GSDCA) Outstanding Canine Service Award at a ceremony by the Dogs Queensland Group in Durack.
It comes as a fitting end to a service career heralded for heroic deeds accomplished at times under extreme duress.
“Feared by criminals and loved by children,” PD Kaos has a remarkable bond with his handler, Senior Constable James Griffiths.
“Kaos is my best mate,” Sen Constable Griffiths said.
“I don’t think of him as a pet, and I certainly don’t talk to him like a pet.
“I have had many a conversation with him as I would a person.
“We have been part of each other’s lives for approximately eight years now, living and working together.
“Some of the situations we have been in together at work where we have had to rely solely on each other has formed a bond like no other.”
That singular bond made the events of February 2 last year all the more harrowing.
While pursuing two alleged vehicle thieves in Gordon Park, PD Kaos suffered a 12cm stab wound to the throat, leaving officers fearing the worst.
Rendered first aid by police, PD Kaos shocked even experienced officers with his mettle.
“The fact that Kaos continued to perform his duty to such a high standard, apprehending both of the offenders, after sustaining the injury is honestly amazing,” Sen Constable Griffiths said.
“He showed no weakness or signs of fear, so that when I realised he had been injured I was in shock.
“My initial reaction quickly turned to fear though as I slowly became more aware of the severity of his injury.
“It was a very nervous wait leaving Kaos in the hands of the amazing staff at the Veterinary Clinic at Stafford Heights.
“However, I believe his ability to recover so well and swiftly was due to the staff at the Veterinary Surgery going above and beyond to care for Kaos.”
But a month later the heroic duo was back patrolling the streets and PD Kaos would cement a reputation for excellence.
“I love the fact Kaos is so calm and steadfast, he always appeared relaxed and confident but whenever the time came for him to do his job he always performed,” Sen Constable Griffiths said.
“If there was ever a job that I considered to be a higher risk than a standard job I always knew 100 per cent that Kaos could handle it.
“I loved that about him.
“Now, his days will be spent relaxing and enjoying his well deserved retirement.
“He will spend the rest of his days at home with me and my family, sleeping inside and getting treats and plenty of cuddles.”
Annie Tamblyn from GSDCA said PD Kaos displayed outstanding service and bravery in the line of duty.
“We are pleased to award Kaos after his seven years of service with the Queensland Police Service,” Annie Tamblyn said.
“He is a dog that was both feared by criminals and loved by children, especially when he would visit them at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.”
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