RIP Davey - Heartbreak as retired Lancashire Fire Search dog dies following short illness

A retired Fire Search dog has sadly died following a short illness.

Davey, had been unwell for the past two weeks and, despite receiving specialist veterinary care and undergoing a number of 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, their wider family and everyone at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Davey's remarkable story began when he was rehomed from Dogs Trust before joining Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in 2017.

What started as a second chance for a rescue dog became an extraordinary career spanning more than nine years.

Working alongside Lindsay, Davey qualified as a specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) search dog and became part of the National Resilience USAR capability and UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team.

Throughout his career Davey represented the UK on the international stage and deployed with UK ISAR teams to some of the world's most challenging emergencies, supporting search operations following major earthquakes overseas.

His outstanding contribution was recognised when he was named the International Fund for Animal Welfare's International Search and Rescue Dog of the Year, and he was also recognised at Crufts for his work as a search dog.

Away from operational deployments, Davey became a much-loved ambassador for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Dogs Trust.

Through school visits, community events and demonstrations, he helped people understand the vital role played by specialist search dogs and inspired many people along the way.

His career also took him to some unique places, including 10 Downing Street and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

He also attended the PAW Patrol movie premiere, one of Luca's favourite memories of Davey.

But behind all of those achievements, deployments and accolades, Davey was also a much-loved member of Lindsay and her family's lives.

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.”

He added: “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), who knew Davey and Lindsay personally, added: “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.”

The LFRS spokesperson added: “In Davey's memory, we would now like to support the NFRSA and the vital work it does for retired service animals.

“For a dog who gave so much throughout his life, we can think of no more fitting legacy.”

The charity helps support retired dogs and horses from the police, fire, prison and border force services with the cost of veterinary treatment once their working lives have ended.

A GoFundMe page is now open and all money raised in Davey's memory will go to the NFRSA, helping it support other retired service animals and their families when they need it most.

Rest in peace Davey.