Dedicated four-legged crime-fighters have been honoured for their service in an Australian first.
NSW Police's longest-serving dogs and horses received commendations from Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Police Minister Yasmin Catley at a ceremony on Wednesday.
NSW's Mounted Police Unit, formed in 1825, is the oldest continuous unit of its kind in the world, pre-dating those in London and Canada.
Ms Catley said while those being honoured were animals, they were at the front-lines of crime-fighting just like their two-legged colleagues.
She said the relationship between the force's animals and handlers was "like something I have never seen".
"The trust that they have with one another is extraordinary," she said.
"We really are fortunate … to have such expert handlers, but (also) such incredible dogs and incredible horses."
To be eligible for a commendation, horses need to have served 10 years in the force, while dogs need to have been in the job for at least five.
Animals killed or seriously injured before qualifying for the award were also posthumously honoured at the ceremony.
Troop Horse Royal, who was preparing to be deployed at protests at Sydney Town Hall on February 9 when he died from an illness, was among the five horses and 14 dogs awarded commendations.
Their handlers and riders were honoured alongside them.
Mr Lanyon said the police's animal officers were a great advertisement for the work of the force.
"We know members of the community, particularly boys and girls, love to see the horses and dogs when they're out there," he said.
