Patron (Ukrainian: Патрон, pronounced [pɐˈtrɔn]; lit. 'cartridge/protector'; born 2019) is a landmine finder and mascot of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. He is a Jack Russell Terrier. He has sniffed up bombs, primarily in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv (Ukrainian: Чернігів). He was awarded the Medal for Dedicated Service, in May 2022 for his work locating 236 unexploded Russian explosive devices as at May 8 during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Landmines are a disgrace to humanity. The people who make them pretend to their children that they are good people running an honest business. I'd like to introduce them to the survivors of their work firsthand. Patron (Патрон) is closer to being a good person than they will ever be, and is my hero for the day. Good job!
