Search and Rescue dog ‘Kirby’ retires from Essex Fire Service

Community Safety award-winning Search and Rescue dog, Kirby, has retired from the Essex fire Service (Essex, UK) after a career spanning more than 80 dog years (11 human years). Kirby, 11, will bravely step down from operational duties with immediate effect following advice from vets.

Initially attached to London Fire Brigade until former Search and Rescue dog Darcy retired, his incredible operational work as part of the Fire Service and Urban Search and Rescue team began back in 2012.

Just three days after he finished his specialist training, he was called to a demolished house in Clacton, which had collapsed after an explosion. Less than a minute after beginning his search, the English Springer Spaniel assisted Clacton fire crews in finding a man who had been trapped for several hours.

The incident set the tone for what was a truly remarkable tenure as a Search and Rescue dog which has seen him air-lifted in helicopters, abseil down buildings and support partners including police forces, ambulance services and even the military.

Other incidents attended included the fatal collapse of Didcot Power Station in Oxfordshire in 2016, where Kirby was one of four dog teams.
Kirby has featured at hundreds of open days across Essex alongside handler Graham Currie, meeting thousands of residents and helping to share key safety messaging to those who may be vulnerable or at risk.

Ever popular at public events, Kirby has also played his part in raising hundreds of pounds for charity. Supporting Stanley’s Heroes, which raised more than £10,000 for Clacton fire-fighter Rob Newman’s son Stanley, was one of many great examples.

Kirby has even featured on national TV on several occasions, including on the BBC’s Mega Cities documentary with Andrew Marr and famously back in 2017 on ITV’s Inside London Fire Brigade. Later that year, Kirby was given the Outstanding Award for Community Safety at our Celebrating our People Awards, alongside Graham and fellow Search and Rescue dog Jarvis. In 2018, they were also named runners up for the same award.

---

"Kirby will now enjoy a well-earned retirement...”