Brave dog given medal in London for saving President Barack Obama from White House intruder

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Tim Baker4 October 2019

A brave dog has been given the animal equivalent of an OBE after thwarting a possible attack on President Barack Obama.

United States Secret Service dog Hurricane and his handler Officer Marshall Mirarchi were in London on Wednesday to receive the PDSA Order Of Merit after he stopped an intruder at the White House in 2014.

Mr Mirarchi, now Hurricane's adoptive dad, said: "Hurricane was such a legend within the Service.

“He loved working and his talent for the job impressed me every single day.

"That night, he stepped up and delivered under circumstances that no amount of training could prepare him for. I have never witnessed such violence towards a dog before but it didn't stop him from doing his job.

Hurricane playing with Officer Mirachi
PA

"I am so proud of him and extremely thankful to PDSA for honouring his service and actions in this way."

The dog retired from service in 2016.

Hurricane - a Belgian Malinois - was trained as part of the USSS Emergency Response Team, and leapt into action when a man jumped the White House fence and sprinted towards the area where President Obama and his family were.

The intruder struggled, kicking and punched Hurricane as well as swinging him through the air, but the dog eventually managed to knock him to the ground, allowing officers to apprehend the man.

PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: "The PDSA Order of Merit was introduced to recognise animals for the exceptional devotion to duty.

“Hurricane's achievements certainly fulfil this criteria and warrant the highest recognition.

“We are thrilled that he has become the latest recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit."

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