The British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) Best Newcomer category at the British Security Awards is renamed after security operative Gaby Hutchinson, who lost their life in the course of duty in December on the night of Asake concert at O2 Academy, Brixton in London.

Gaby Hutchinson worked as a dog handler for a BSIA member company and was on duty with dog Coco when they were caught up in the ensuing incident and tragically passed away on 19 December.

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, emphasized how devastated they were when they heard the terrible news of Gaby’s passing and added: “The security industry prides itself on its community-led approach to the companies it represents and, more importantly, the people who work tirelessly on a daily basis to keep people, property and places professionally protected. Gaby was one such person and played a vital role in the sector. It’s our duty to keep Gaby’s name alive and to remember the role that was played.

He continued: “We hope that, by presenting the Best Newcomer award in perpetuity in Gaby’s name, this will go some way towards achieving that goal.”

‘They had the kindest soul’

Phoebie Turley, Gaby’s partner, recorded that Gaby has the kindest soul and how Gaby was known for helping others and continued: “Gaby worked as a carer before becoming a dog handler. Indeed, Gaby has always had that strong passion to care and help others, an I know that trait shone through until the end.”

On the night of the tragedy, Gaby was working at the concert with their security dog, Coco, a three-year-old German Shepherd. Turley stated she became aware something was wrong when her partner stopped answering her messages. “The last thing they said to me was: ‘I’ll wake you up when I’m home.’ And I just had a gut feeling the whole time that something wasn’t right.

“They did not deserve this. Justice needs to be served and someone needs to be found accountable for what happened,” Turkey said.

The company Gaby was working for let Gaby’s family to keep the dog Coco, and Turley and a family friend set up two crowdfunding pages to help towards funeral expenses, and the care of Gaby’s GP dog, Coco.

“Coco has now been retired and handed over to Gaby’s loved ones, who will be adoring her as much as Gaby had. A portion of any funds raised will also go to a chosen retired working dog charity, which is what Gaby would’ve wanted,” they stated on the GoFundMe page.