A dog’s life – adds value in HertsHertfordshire FRS has a new fire investigation dog, CC, named after Computacenter, his sponsor. CC takes over from his predecessor Browza, now retired, in helping with fire investigations in Hertfordshire and other services in the eastern region.
Training CC Nikki Harvey, CC’s handler, said: “We’ve been training together for 5 months now, which has given us the opportunity to build up trust which is essential. Ongoing training is now part of CC’s daily routine and it’s important that he always enjoys the ‘game’. I’m looking forward to putting CC’s new skills to use.” CC, who wears special protective boots, can only enter a fire scene after a full risk assessment has been carried out, to make sure it is safe for him to work. CC is one of 17 fire investigation dogs in the country who are proving very successful in their work. Funding for USAR dog teamsUSAR dog teams are an integral element of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capability, given their ability to undertake wide-area searches to locate people trapped by collapsed structures. Following discussion with host USAR fire and rescue authorities, and CFOA, Communities and Local Government has agreed to fund a search and rescue dog for each USAR team, amounting to 20 dogs in total. This is the final part of the USAR capability to be put in place, under the New Dimension programme. Leicestershire Fire Authority has been established as the lead authority for the USAR canine capability, and it will receive additional funding for this role, ensuring that canine availability and training for handlers and dogs are coordinated. |
Article Date: 15th February 2008 |
