PD Rocky, the first Dutch Herder to serve with South Yorkshire Police, died on 2 September 2026 at age 12. His handler PC Steve Gill and Hero Paws shared his story — ten years of operational work, a national trials win, and a final posting at the force's training school.
A first for South Yorkshire Police
Rocky passed his General Purpose course and became the first Dutch Herder in the force. The breed was unproven in British police work at the time. He was the first one in.
The partnership with PC Steve Gill
Rocky and PC Steve Gill competed at the British Police & Services Canine Association trials. In 2016 they won the Criminal Work category and finished runners-up for Service Dog of the Year. On the streets they made hundreds of apprehensions, took high-harm offenders off them, and worked as a Firearms Support Dog.
From operational dog to trainer
Rocky finished his service at the training school, demonstrating skills to new police dog handlers. The first Dutch Herder in the force ended up teaching the next generation.
Retirement
Rocky retired in 2024 at age ten. He spent his retirement walking the moors, swimming, and staying on the sofa with PC Steve Gill's family.
What he left behind
The handlers who learned from him, the dogs that followed him into service, and the people protected by his work. PC Steve Gill and Dan shared Rocky's story so another service dog would be remembered.
To honor working dogs like Rocky, support a police K-9 organization or service dog charity.