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Police pups named as tribute to killed officer

North Yorkshire Police Two black puppies sit on some grass, and are being held still by someone in the background, who is also sitting down.North Yorkshire Police
The pups will be embarking on some of the most intensive training any dog can do, the force says

The children of a police officer who was killed while helping a motorist have named a force's new canine recruits to "pay tribute to her legacy".

PC Rosie Prior, 45, stopped to help driver Ryan Welford on the verge of the A19 at Bagby in North Yorkshire, on 11 January when they were both struck by a lorry and killed.

PC Prior's sons were asked by North Yorkshire Police to name the 11-week-old Dutch herder pups - and chose Zeus and Maximus.

The force said it hoped to honour PC Prior "in a way that reflects her dedication to public service and her love for her own family".

The pups are currently living with two of the force's experienced dog handlers, where they are learning the basics.

Over the coming months, they will be trained in tracking suspects, locating missing people, searching for property and supporting officers in potentially dangerous situations.

The spokesperson said: "They may look cute now, but make no mistake, these pups are embarking on some of the most intensive training any dog can do, as they prepare to play a vital role in keeping our communities safe."

North Yorkshire Police Two images of Rosie Prior, one in police uniform and another in a striped T-shirt. North Yorkshire Police
PC Prior died in January while helping a driver on the A19

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