Northumberland fire service dog retires

Posted by The Journal on Jun 4, 09 11:16 AM in News

Phoenix of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service A new doggy hero is needed by the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service.

The crew need a new pooch to replace Phoenix the fire investigation dog, pictured, who has retired after 10 years work at fire scenes.

Brian Hesler, chief fire officer and director of community safety, said: "Phoenix has contributed a great deal to Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and to the residents of Northumberland through his devotion to duty and in his work at fire scenes, where he played a major role in the investigation of arson.

"He also assisted in educating the young and proved very effective in teaching children, not only about fire prevention, but also fire survival and how to stay safe if they ever got caught in a fire situation.

"He was an effective member of the service and we need to find another dog to replace him very soon."

Phoenix made national headlines when he first joined the fire service as he was the first fire investigation dog to be trained in-house by any fire service in the UK.

During his career he appeared on many national television programmes and won a number of awards.

Phoenix's handler - arson task force manager Dave Myers - said: "Coming to work without Phoenix is like coming to work without my right arm. He played a big role in the daily activities of my job and the team.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of training a new dog to follow in Phoenix's paw prints. It will be a difficult act to follow for any new dog as Phoenix was so fantastic.

"We are looking for a Labrador of between six and 12 months old who is active, keen to work and intelligent.

"The dog must be keen to retrieve and inquisitive, as these are key factors in the training of a dog in a specialist role such as this.

"We have found it difficult to find a dog with the necessary qualities and hope that the public can help us to find a dog suitable for the role.

"If anyone has a Labrador they are looking to re-home and would like to offer the dog an opportunity of a career in the fire service, please let us know.

"This opportunity will provide a suitable dog with the chance to enjoy a challenging career utilising the dog's natural abilities to their full extent. The dog will also be given a loving home and plenty of exercise to maintain fitness levels when off duty."

Anyone who may be able to help is asked to call Dave Myers on (01670) 534 663.

Northumberland County Council Fire and Rescue Service pages »

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