A decorated police dog who helped make dozens of arrests across Greater Manchester has retired after six years of service, ending his career with a final act of bravery.

PD Bren, a German Shepherd with Greater Manchester Police, officially stood down after a career marked by loyalty, skill and frontline success alongside his handler, PC Oram.

On his final shift, Bren was deployed to assist after a suspect attempted to evade officers and assaulted both PC Oram and a colleague. In a last show of dedication, Bren re-detained the man and protected his handler during the confrontation.

Bren joined the force as a puppy in 2018 and became operational the following year, going on to form a highly effective partnership with PC Oram. Together, they secured 48 arrests in a single year—an achievement that earned PC Oram the force’s Dog Handler of the Year award in 2024.

Speaking about their partnership, PC Oram said: “I started working with Bren when he was 10 months old, while his siblings went to other handlers. One of his key skills I noticed from being partnered with him was that he loved to jump. He was always bounding in the air – now he is eight, I’m glad he can rest his joints.”

Bren became particularly known for his tracking ability, helping officers locate suspects in challenging environments and difficult weather conditions. In one notable incident in February 2024, he tracked down a man hiding under a car, leading to an arrest on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and cannabis cultivation.

The pair’s success also saw them featured on Crimewatch, highlighting the vital role police dogs play in modern policing.

Away from operational duties, Bren’s discipline and obedience earned him and his handler a place at the National Dog Trials in Scotland last year—the first time GMP had been represented at the event in over a decade.

Now retired, Bren will remain with PC Oram, swapping police work for a quieter life as a family pet.

“Bren will continue to live with me now he has retired,” PC Oram said. “He will be able to focus on being a family dog and enjoy caravan holidays.

“He is great with people when off-duty, but when called upon, switched instantly to knowing what he had to do.”

Paying tribute, PC Oram added: “On his last shift, when I was trying to restrain a suspect who was a lot bigger and more powerful than myself, Bren came to my aid and quickly subdued the suspect – a true partner to the end.”