Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are saying goodbye to Britian’s longest serving fire investigation dog.
Reqs, a black Labrador, has served the south-east of England for 10 years and is now retiring at the age of 11.
He began his work as a one-year-old puppy and has attended nearly 500 incidents, which has helped provide crucial evidence in investigations.
Reqs’ work has resulted in over 250 years of imprisonment for offenders.
The Labrador uses his nose to locate any possible fire starters, such as petrol, so firefighters can go in and investigate.
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Reqs’ handler Nikki Harvey said: “We are called to the scene of any serious fire that crews believe to be deliberate or suspicious, or where the cause is not immediately known, especially if there has been a fatality at the scene.”
Reqs is popular with residents online and offline, with over 10,000 followers on social media, along with this he does visits to schools and clubs to help teach about fire safety.
His favourite toy is a tennis ball and is rewarded with one after his work.
He will be putting is paws up for a well-deserved rest but will still attend events so he can steal sausages from the barbecue.
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