IF you want a career in the police force, you’ve got to expect some action from time-to-time – but for one amazing doggy detective that’s putting it mildly.

Brave police dog Brennan is about to retire after six eventful years in the job, which has seen him punched, kicked, left for dead and involved in a near fatal car crash.

The gutsy German shepherd trotted out on duty with handler, PC Mick Finch, for the final time last week, marking the end of a successful career with Essex Police.

The superhound, based in Laindon, was struck down with a torsion that can be fatal in dogs in 2005, but battled back to catch villains across south Essex.

A police spokesman said: “Two years later he was attacked, detailing two suspects who had fled from a stolen car following a collision.

“Brennan was kicked, punched and pulled around by his ears by the suspects, but refused to back down.

“His courage resulted in the men being arrested and convicted of taking a vehicle without consent.”

Brennan was called into action again, in October 2007, when a man suspected of stealing a motorcycle fled from the scene of a collision. He assaulted Brennan and another police dog.

Again Brennan was seriously injured, but refused to back down. The man was later jailed for seven years.

The dog also nearly died in 2008 when a driver hit PC Finch’s police van, head on.

Brennan received medals and a handful of his favourite dog biscuits for his bravery in both incidents.

He will also receive a higher award for his actions at an awards ceremony later this month.

Now that his well-worn lead has been hung up, Brennan is enjoying a rest living with PC Finch and his family.

PC Finch said he will miss being with his pal every day. He said: “His retirement is the end of an era for me. He is larger than life.

“There’s a touch of sadness in the fact he won’t be coming to work with me anymore. It was nice to know he was there always watching my back.”

PC Finch is now training with a new police dog. He joked: “He certainly has some big paws to fill taking over from Brennan.”