Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/negro-chile-firefighter-dog/

Dogs and fire stations go together like peanut butter and jelly. Dogs first started living with firefighters in the days of horses and buggies. The dogs would help the horses navigate the stressful situations they faced, but when fire trucks replaced horses, the dogs stuck around.

A dog’s role in a firehouse is a little different than it was back in the day of horses and buggies. Rather than being working dogs, fire pups generally stick around to comfort firefighters and offer emotional support.

Negro is one such dog who lived at a fire station in Iquique, Chile. He worked alongside the firefighters at the Iquique Fire Department for over a decade, and he formed a close bond with many of them.

He became a part of the firefighting family, so when he passed away at the age of 14, his fire crew was devastated.

The Fourteen Riquelme Midshipman Company was devastated to announce the dog’s passing on Facebook. They said (translated): “Due to his delicate health, this afternoon one of our ranks, our faithful four-legged Firefighter, left this land…”

The Fourteen Riquelme Midshipman Company awarded Negro the official rank of Honorary Firefighter Company.

They shared a photo of his award on Facebook:

After paying their respects, fire fighters laid Negro to rest.

He was carried in a custom-build casket to a plot near the fire station. Firefighters even planted a tree near his burial spot to memorialize Negro.

While he may not live on in this world, Negro will continue to live in the hearts of all he touched.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog