Firefighters in the Chilean city of Iquique put their safety first every day for the community but it was their gesture of love for a four-legged member of their company who passed away this week is what’s getting attention across the country.
For over a decade, this sweet dog named “Negro” has lived with first responders from the Iquique Fire Department. As the station dog, he watched over everything as firefighters were dispatched to the calls and was there to greet them with a wag of tail when they returned.
The dog’s cheerful presence certainly helped relieve stress for those around them as they carried out their often dangerous work and made the extended quiet time more enjoyable in between.
Sadly, Negro’s years of service are over. On Tuesday, it was announced that the loyal dog, after a period of declining health, had passed away at the age of 14. “This afternoon one of our ranks left the earth – the four-legged firefighter. ours,” the fire department wrote online. “Thank you so much for the years you’ve been with us. We’ll miss you forever.”
But Negro’s colleagues continue to pay tribute to him beyond just words. The department’s board of directors decided to go one step further, giving the dog the title of “honorary firefighter” and giving him the final respects that come with it.
In a ceremony for the beloved dog, the fire department held an honor guard funeral to bid them a heartfelt farewell. The Negro is one of us, a member of this family. He was respected, loved, Fire Chief Jorge Tapia told Soyiquique.cl, “We said our goodbyes in a very emotional ceremony because we were saying goodbye to one of our people. us, an important part of this company.”
And as the dog’s coffin got underway, with the support of his colleagues, his importance to them was shown.
The black man’s body was laid to rest that evening in an estate not far from where he had served so faithfully. A tree was also planted nearby, in his fond memory.
While this fire station dog has clearly touched the hearts of everyone who knew him well over the years they were together, Negro’s legacy goes beyond that through his gesture of respect and love. love it this week – a well-deserved tribute to a wonderful puppy:
“In memory of our Negro. Loyal pet, friend and protector.”