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His paws tippy-tapped on the ground as he paid closer attention to his handler’s cues than the few people gathered for a small ceremony in his honor outside LBFD headquarters.
Rex, with gray hair speckling his muzzle and black coat, is retiring. The farewell ceremony Thursday marked his 11 years of service as the department’s first search canine.
Rex, the Long Beach Fire Department’s first search canine looks up to his handler, Capt. Wade Haller. The canine will retire after 11 years of service with the department. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
“There is no question that it takes extreme dedication and passion to train and maintain a constant state of readiness for these amazing animals,” said LBFD Chief Xavier Espino. “Although he is retiring, Rex will always be part of the Long Beach Fire Department family.”