Diesel, a Parisian police dog that was killed in a terror siege on November 18, will be awarded a medal for bravery, Buzzfeed News reports. Diesel was a 7-year-old Belgian Shepherd and was killed during the raid that also killed two suspected terrorists, including one of the masterminds of the November 13 attack.
Diesel will be awarded the Dickin Medal for his bravery and work.
Major RULP Jean-Marc Lenglet from the French National Police, said: “Diesel’s handler has been deeply affected by the death of his dog, as have many thousands of well-wishers who sent messages of condolence for Diesel who died in the service of his country.”
The formal presentation of Diesel’s PDSA Dickin Medal will be made in 2016. PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Following the tragic terrorist events in Paris last month, where many innocent people lost their lives, Diesel was instrumental in helping the French police locate and deal with the perpetrators.
“When news emerged of Diesel’s death there was a huge outpouring of grief . As guardians of the world’s most prestigious animal awards programme, we were inundated by messages from members of the public to recognise his heroism.
“The PDSA Dickin Medal recognises conspicuous devotion to duty in the theatre of conflict and Diesel is a truly deserving recipient. His gallant actions helped to protect human life in the face of imminent danger and we are very proud to honour him in this way."
Since the introduction of the Medal by PDSA founder Maria Dickin CBE in 1943 it has been awarded to 30 dogs (including Diesel), 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.
After reports broke about Diesel's death, the hashtag #JeSuisChien (I am a dog) trended in his memory.
It's important to remember that animals can be as courageous and helpful as humans in the fight against terrorism. Diesel's work in helping to eliminate terrorist masterminds potentially saved thousands of lives.