Two years ago, HIWFRS fire dog handlers Andy Earl and Graham Howlett set up a non-profit organisation with the aim of building a national memorial to recognise the contributions their beloved animals, and their counterparts across the country, had made to the fire service.
Single-handedly, Andy and Graham drove the campaign and led the fundraising, which saw more than £4,000 donated to the worthy cause.
Prior to this initiative, there had been no dedicated place of remembrance for dogs who had served the fire service, whether that was in investigation, search or welfare roles.
Fire dogs are highly trained to perform the role they do. In disaster zones, they locate survivors where no human could reach. In the aftermath of fires, they have helped uncover vital forensic evidence. And in quieter, often unseen ways, they provide comfort and emotional support to crews following traumatic incidents.
Andy has worked alongside a number of fire dogs during his career, including Red, Millie and Hoodie. He said:
“With no other support forthcoming, Graham and I pursued the fundraising alone, and with thanks to the Red Knights and to Dave Taylor, our sculptor, we were able to deliver our vision.
“It was great to see so many members of the fire service and fire dog community come out for the ceremony. Unveiling the statue along with Graham was a true honour.
“Whilst they were working dogs and their service is now recognised, the impact these animals had on their families, as much-loved pets, is also remembered.
“We move forward now with the next phase of the project which will see us raise funds to install commemorative plaques bearing the names of dogs that have served but have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.”
Last month, the final sculpture was erected opposite the National Red Plaque Firefighters memorial in Essex, which is managed by a motorcycle club made up of active and retired firefighters, The Red Knights Motorcycle Club.
The ceremony, held at the Living Memorial Gardens in Rettendon, included a local pipe band, as well as vintage fire engines and motorcycles from across the globe, with Andy and Graham unveiling the statue, modelled on Graham’s labrador Saxon Jr. and Andy’s labrador Red.
Sculpted by Dave Taylor, the statue depicts a search dog wearing a harness and boots standing on the rubble of a collapsed building.
Gazebos each side of the memorial provide a quiet space for visitors to sit and reflect.
In his time with the fire service, Graham had a number of dogs including Saxon, Saxon Jr, Eric and Inca. He said:
“Having served as Hampshire’s first fire investigation dog handler, the concept for the memorial had been on my mind for many years.
“It was my ambition to ensure that the vital contributions these dogs make would never be overlooked or forgotten, so with retirement approaching, I was determined to deliver this lasting tribute.
“What stands today is not just a testament to the dogs, but to the strength of the community that came together to honour them.”
You can support Andy and Graham during the next phase of the project by donating to their JustGiving page.
