A German shepherd serving with Surrey Police and his handler have received a national bravery award after safely apprehending a man armed with a knife. Two-year-old Frankie and PC Eddie Cabrera, 39, from Horsham in West Sussex, were recognised for their actions during an incident in Leatherhead in February, just six months into their partnership.
Philip Kinnaird, 46, from Leatherhead, was convicted of threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public space and sentenced to two years in prison at Chichester Crown Court on Friday. He was also ordered to pay £187 in costs.
The pair received the Outstanding Bravery Award from the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a national dog welfare charity. According to a report on police dog awards, the ceremony took place at the Kennel Club in London on 29 September 2026. The foundation's founder, Kieran Stanbridge, commended the duo for confronting an "incredibly difficult and dangerous situation" with bravery.
Body-worn video footage from Surrey Police captured the moment Kinnaird swung a knife at the officers and threatened to stab them. When Cabrera arrived at the scene, Frankie led him to the suspect's location. The incident unfolded at a petrol station forecourt following a suspected stabbing, according to a report on the awards ceremony.
How did the handler and dog work together?
Cabrera explained that he could not deploy a Taser due to fire hazard concerns at the petrol station. Instead, he attempted to redirect Frankie, but the suspect continued swinging the knife at the dog's head.
"[Frankie] got involved and was trying to back me up and help but he wasn't quite sure what to do. He stayed up with me and stayed trying to protect me."
The dog's actions proved crucial in the confrontation. According to a local account of the incident, Frankie bit the suspect's leg after a six-minute struggle, bringing him to the ground and enabling Cabrera to make the arrest. Cabrera said Frankie's actions distracted Kinnaird sufficiently for him to deploy pepper spray and maintain control until additional officers arrived.
What makes this award significant?
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation's award celebrates "outstanding teamwork, bravery and dedication to public safety under exceptionally challenging circumstances". The foundation, now in its sixth year, recognises the service of police dogs and their importance to former handlers and owners in retirement, according to information on the awards programme.
Frankie and Cabrera joined other award winners from different categories across England. A Kent Police dog was recognised as a "rags to riches story", while a West Midlands Police dog that was forced to retire due to injury also received an award.
What is Frankie like outside of duty?
Cabrera reflected on Frankie's character and commitment to police work.
"He didn't cower or shy away at all, he was so brave."He emphasised that Frankie's enthusiasm for his role as a police dog could not be manufactured or forced, and that the dog brought genuine dedication to the Surrey and Sussex Police Dog Unit.
Away from his duties, Frankie displays a very different personality.
"He's a kitten at home, he just wants a belly rub and to enjoy life,"Cabrera said, describing how the working dog transforms into a relaxed companion in his own time.
Background on Frankie's training
Frankie was bred by the police as part of its breeding programme, preparing him from an early stage for his role in law enforcement. His training and natural instincts combined to make him an effective operational partner during the high-risk incident in Leatherhead.
