“You are our hero” – Tribute paid to Police Dog Zyla on anniversary of her death

“I will never forget your sacrifice for me, my family, my police family and the wider public. You are our hero, you are our girl."

Today (Thursday 3 July) the force remembers Police Dog Zyla who, one year ago today, tragically lost her life while in the line of duty.

PD Zyla

PD Zyla was just one year and nine months old when, on July 3 last year, she assisted in the search for a suspect at Watermead Park who was wanted by Nottinghamshire Police – Connor Page was subsequently located, charged and, in April this year, the 27-year-old, of Metcalfe Close, Derby, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment after being found guilty of the attempted murder of another man.

PD Zyla’s handler Police Constable Karen Daybell recalls how PD Zyla had been searching in undergrowth surrounding a lake but, due to the difficulty of getting through, had then chosen an alternative route and entered the lake. PC Daybell explained that PD Zyla swam out, going out of sight, before then barking to indicate that she had found the suspect. However, PD Zyla then went quiet and as PC Daybell entered the water, she sadly found PD Zyla unresponsive in the water. PD Zyla was taken to a vet where it was confirmed she had sadly died.

A full investigation has been carried out by Leicestershire Police in relation to the circumstances surrounding PD Zyla’s death. No criminal charges have been made in relation to PD Zyla’s death.

PD Zyla with PC Karen Daybell

In a tribute to PD Zyla today, PC Daybell who remains a key part of the force’s dog unit, said: "The day you were taken from me I will never forget. A piece of me died that day with you. Your heroic actions that day ensured I made it home safely and I will never forget your sacrifice for me, my family, my police family and the wider public. You are our hero, you are our girl.

"You are the reason a very dangerous suspect was removed from the street. You did your duty, played your final game. You let mum know you’d found your man and I am so sorry you didn’t get to win that well-earned final ball reward. Every day I see your favourite ball, my quiet empty garden, your empty kennel, empty police car and feel my empty heart.

"You knew no limits, you tracked like no other, you demonstrated ways of finding people in ways I’d never seen, if there was a gap to fit through you WOULD find it! You were a bouncy bundle of joy who glided with such beauty and grace.

“On this solemn anniversary, we honour your profound sacrifice. You are a hero who gave your life to bring a dangerous individual to justice. Your legacy of courage lives on in the daily work of your dog unit colleagues and in the hearts of all who served alongside you. Your watch may have ended, but your memory will never fade.”

PD Zyla

Tributes to PD Zyla

Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall said: “PD Zyla was a cherished member of our police family. She was courageous and brave and carried out her duty every day with skill, determination and character. Criminals have been caught and vulnerable people have been helped thanks to the team of PC Daybell and PD Zyla – who often put their own safety at risk to help others.

“My thoughts and sympathies remain with PC Daybell on this hugely difficult day today as we continue to remember and honour PD Zyla and the service she provided. She is very much missed by us all.”

PD Zyla had joined Leicestershire Police in October 2023 and is the half-sister of fellow police dogs PD Jura and PD Nash.