(Image: Cleveland Police)
A loyal police dog has retired after nearly eight years of service.
PD Harley, who served with Cleveland Police, has completed his final operational shift and will now spend his retirement in a new home with "plenty of land to run free".
Harley joined the force shortly after his first birthday and spent six months in the Dog Training Department before becoming operational.
(Image: Cleveland Police)
His career began with PC Liam Sewell, and together they attended hundreds of incidents, many involving serious and challenging offenders.
PC Sewell said: "Harley is an amazing dog.
"I always felt safe when he was with me, and he never let me down.
"He never gave up and he never backed down.
"One incident that will always stay with me was when Harley was deployed after a suspect and was unfortunately struck by a car.
"I feared the worst, but Harley simply shook himself off and carried on with the chase.
"That sums him up perfectly.
"He has more than earned his retirement, and I'm delighted that he has a wonderful home waiting for him, with plenty of land to run free and enjoy life as he deserves."
PC Sewell said Harley retires with the "gratitude, admiration, respect and friendship" of everyone in the Cleveland Police Dog Section.
He also praised Harley’s "immense" contribution to public safety and policing.
Beyond frontline policing, Harley was well-known in the community for his good nature and obedience.
He attended football matches at Hartlepool United and Middlesbrough FC, took part in engagement events, and visited schools to help children learn about police dogs.
He was also a favourite at Siren Fest in Ingleby Barwick.
Harley was trained as a Firearms Support Dog and attended hundreds of high-risk deployments.
His professionalism and reliability made him a role model for other handlers.
(Image: Cleveland Police)
He also excelled at tracking and often helped locate missing and vulnerable people, even in challenging conditions.
After PC Sewell moved into a training role, Harley continued his duties with PC India Landers.
PC Landers said: "After just over a year and a half together, the time has come for my incredible partner against crime, Harley, to hang up his collar and enjoy his very well-earned retirement.
"During our time together, Harley has been everything I could have asked for in a police dog.
"He has worked tirelessly, always putting himself between me and danger, protecting not only me but members of the public too.
"I’ve always known that whatever we faced, Harley would be right there beside me.
"It has been an absolute privilege to be your handler, Harley.
Read More:
"I couldn’t be prouder of the police dog you’ve been, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for always having my back.
"You’ve done your job, you’ve kept people safe, and now it’s your turn to put your paws up and enjoy being just Harley.
"Thank you, Harls."