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Islington Tribune - by MARK BLUNDEN
Published: 3 August 2007

Vinnie, with PC Dave Coleman and his bravery medal

July 7 hero Vinnie gets award for terror work

A BOMB-sniffing black labrador has received the highest animal honour for his work in the aftermath of the July 7 terror attacks.
Police dog Vinnie, who is based at kennels in Finsbury, was handed the canine equivalent of the George Cross by Princess Alexandra.
The former guide dog and his handler, British Transport Police (BTP) PC Dave Coleman, went to work in the pitch-black tunnels around Russell Square to search for secondary explosives and clear a path for rescuers to reach the casualties after the 2005 attacks.
PC Coleman said: “Despite choking smoke and poor visibility, Vinnie searched the mile-long route along the platform and along the tunnels at Russell Square to the train at King’s Cross, which we searched for further explosive devices.”
Vinnie was honoured at Battersea Dogs Home earlier this month in a ceremony that was screened last night (Thursday) on BBC1’s Animal Rescue Live.
PC Coleman said: “The conditions were horrific, but Vinnie never wavered. I was so proud of him. His skill, control and unstinting devotion to duty protected members of the public and the emergency services from harm and his presence was invaluable throughout this tragic event.”
Sifting through the carnage of the attacks was a dramatic change for the labrador, who is more used to sniffing out drugs and guns.
Vinnie and PC Coleman work out of the Central Street kennels, home to a further 30 specialist dogs.
They form part of the BTP’s 64-animal-strong dog section, which includes 17 specialist explosives sniffers.

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