'Rest in Peace' - Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service pays tribute to retired search dog Davey

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has announced the death of retired Fire Search Dog Davey, who has died following a short illness.

Davey had been unwell for two weeks and, despite receiving specialist veterinary care and undergoing several tests, the cause of his illness could not be established. He will be deeply missed by his handler, Lindsay Sielski BEM, her husband Steve, their son Luca, wider family and colleagues at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Rehomed from Dogs Trust, Davey joined the service in 2017 and went on to enjoy an extraordinary career spanning more than nine years. Working alongside Lindsay, he qualified as a specialist Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) search dog, becoming part of the National Resilience USAR capability and UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team.

Davey represented the UK internationally, deploying with UK ISAR teams to support search operations following major earthquakes overseas. His contribution was recognised when he was named the International Fund for Animal Welfare's International Search and Rescue Dog of the Year. He was also recognised at Crufts for his work.

Away from operational deployments, Davey became an ambassador for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Dogs Trust, visiting schools, attending community events and demonstrating the vital role of specialist search dogs.

His career also took him to 10 Downing Street and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. He attended the PAW Patrol movie premiere, which became one of Luca's favourite memories.

Chief Fire Officer, Jon Charters said: “Davey was an exceptional search dog who made an enormous contribution to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and to search and rescue operations across the world.

“Alongside Lindsay, he responded to some of the most challenging emergencies imaginable, representing both Lancashire and the UK with distinction. His achievements throughout his career were remarkable, but what made Davey particularly special was the affection people had for him.

“Whether he was deployed overseas, taking part in an exercise or meeting people at a community event, he made an impression wherever he went. We are all deeply saddened that Davey had so little time to enjoy his retirement. Our thoughts are with Lindsay, Steve and Luca, who have lost a much-loved member of their family.

“Davey gave so much during his life, and I can think of no more fitting tribute than for his legacy to help other retired service animals. We will always be incredibly proud of him and grateful for his extraordinary service.”

The Countess Bathurst, founder and Chair of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), knew Davey and Lindsay personally and said: "Having seen Davey only in April, I know personally what a special boy he was.

“I had the privilege of hiding for him during a search demonstration - he found me in about thirty seconds, which said rather more about his talents than mine. He deserved a long and happy retirement, and it is heartbreaking he had so little time.

“Having been in close touch with Lindsay throughout his illness, I am devastated by the outcome, and my heart goes out to her, Steve, and Luca. The NFRSA will cover Davey's veterinary bill, and we are deeply grateful that his Lancashire Fire and Rescue family wish to honour him by helping other retired service animals.

“It is a beautiful legacy for a dog who gave so much the world over."

In his memory, a GoFundMe page has been opened to raise money for the NFRSA, a charity supporting retired service dogs and horses with veterinary costs after their working lives end. All money raised in Davey's memory will go to the charity to help other retired service animals and their families.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "For a dog who gave so much throughout his life, we can think of no more fitting legacy. Rest in peace, Davey."