Home / Disasters and Accidents / Beloved Fire Dog Dexter Retires, Leaves Paw Prints on Hearts
Beloved Fire Dog Dexter Retires, Leaves Paw Prints on Hearts
15 Mar
Summary
- Dexter, a cocker spaniel, served East Midlands for seven years.
- He attended approximately 200 fire incidents annually.
- Dexter initially struggled with training but became a skilled investigator.
A much-loved cocker spaniel named Dexter, who served as a fire investigation dog for seven years across the East Midlands, has passed away. Dexter began his specialized training at just 16 weeks old and became known as the service's busiest investigator.
Throughout his career, Dexter attended approximately 200 incidents annually, playing a crucial role in identifying fire causes. His handler, Dave Coss, recalled that Dexter was initially hesitant to engage with training aids, earning him the nickname "search dog Squeaky" before he excelled in his duties.
Dexter and handler Dave Coss retired from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2022, but they returned to service with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. This return highlighted their deep commitment to their work. Dexter officially retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and joy.
Coss expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support following Dexter's death, recognizing the wide-reaching impact the dog had. He will continue his fire investigation work with another dog, Ginny, and the wider investigation teams.
