The tradition of training animals to work in a professional setting started in the 1940s. In the past, firefighters and police horses were used in carriages to carry them to places where their help was needed. Meanwhile, dogs also ran alongside horses to guard them against possible dangers during work.
In our modern world, there are no more carriages. We have fire trucks and police cars instead. However, although the transportation method significantly changed, the tradition of keeping dogs with police and firefighters remained.
Dogs usually go with their human partners, help the police locate missing people, find crime evidence, or assist firefighters when teaching fire safety and serving as companions.
Our brave men treat dogs as their best friends, so losing dog companions is just as painful as a human friend.
In the coastal city of Iquique, Chile, the firefighters lost their beloved dog brother, Negro. It is understandably painful for them because Negro lived 14 years of working on the fire station with these men.
The firemen made an honorary funeral for Negro, and they called it “Honorary Firefighter.” After the funeral, the firefighters carried the custom-built casket to a nearby plot where they planted a tree in the dog’s memory, and there he was laid to rest.
Fire Captain Jorge Topia said Negro was one of them, and they treated him like a family. Everyone gave him the same respect and love.
They emotionally bid goodbye to someone who was an essential part of their company. This shows how Negro meant to his brothers. The brave firefighters showed that the dog would stay forever in their hearts.
This tribute touched many hearts. Many people also suggested that more firehouses should keep loyal and hardworking dogs as professional parts of the firefighting team.
Credit: Catorce Compañia Guardiamarina Riquelme on Facebook