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Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is celebrating the retirement of one of its most dedicated four-legged colleagues after more than nine years of outstanding service.

Davey, a specialist Fire Search Dog, joined the Service in 2017 after being rehomed from the Dogs Trust. What began as a second chance for a rescue dog developed into an extraordinary career, with Davey training alongside his handler, Lindsay Sielski, to become a highly skilled Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) search dog.

Throughout his career, Davey played a key role in the UK's National Resilience USAR capability and the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team. He supported major search and rescue operations, training exercises and international deployments, demonstrating exceptional dedication and professionalism in challenging environments across the world.

Among his many achievements, Davey represented the UK during the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) External Reclassification (IER) in Switzerland, where the UK canine team was recognised for its high standards in international search dog operations.

Davey's service included deployments to support responses following devastating earthquakes in Türkiye, Morocco and Venezuela. Working alongside rescue teams from around the globe, he helped locate survivors and supported humanitarian efforts in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable.

His remarkable contribution has been recognised with several prestigious honours, including being named the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) International Search and Rescue Dog of the Year. He was also recognised at Crufts for his achievements as a working search dog.

As Davey begins his well-earned retirement, his operational duties will be taken over by Search Dog Finn, a Labrador who will continue the vital work of supporting search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, Davey will enjoy a quieter pace of life at home with Lindsay.

Davey's journey from rehomed rescue dog to internationally recognised search and rescue specialist highlights the invaluable role that working dogs play in emergency response and disaster recovery operations.

Everyone at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service would like to thank Davey for his exceptional service and wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.