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12/02/2008
Search Dogs Recruited To Fire & Rescue Service
A new elite canine squad is joining the fire and rescue service in England to sniff out people trapped in collapsed buildings.
Known as 'USAR' – Urban Search and Rescue Dogs – the dogs will be similar to those used in the aftermath of the Pakistan earthquake and the September 11 terrorist attacks and the Bocastle floods in Cornwall.
Each dog – usually a collie or springer spaniel – receives specialist training for 18 months to two years to develop its acute sniffing skills before being ready for service, and is kitted out with protective boots and jackets.
The dog squad is being funded by a £430,000 investment announced today by Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda.
He said: "These dogs are real life savers as shown by their heroic efforts in all parts of the world. Their skills are crucial to giving the fire service the best possible chance of finding people alive in collapsed buildings.
"With this investment, the new dog squads can be called to any part of the country whenever needed."
London will get four rescue dogs, with 16 others assigned to specialist units at fire and rescue services across England, that can be swiftly deployed across the country if an incident occurs.
Funding for USAR dogs will go to: Avon, Buckinghamshire, Devon & Somerset, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford & Worcestershire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Norfolk, Tyne & Wear, West Midlands, West Sussex and West Yorkshire FRS.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will have the lead role in coordinating training and establishing a national USAR dog duty rota.
The programme is part of the latest £16.7 million grant funding from Communities and Local Government to support the specialist equipment supplied to the Fire and Rescue Service.
(KMcA)
Known as 'USAR' – Urban Search and Rescue Dogs – the dogs will be similar to those used in the aftermath of the Pakistan earthquake and the September 11 terrorist attacks and the Bocastle floods in Cornwall.
Each dog – usually a collie or springer spaniel – receives specialist training for 18 months to two years to develop its acute sniffing skills before being ready for service, and is kitted out with protective boots and jackets.
The dog squad is being funded by a £430,000 investment announced today by Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda.
He said: "These dogs are real life savers as shown by their heroic efforts in all parts of the world. Their skills are crucial to giving the fire service the best possible chance of finding people alive in collapsed buildings.
"With this investment, the new dog squads can be called to any part of the country whenever needed."
London will get four rescue dogs, with 16 others assigned to specialist units at fire and rescue services across England, that can be swiftly deployed across the country if an incident occurs.
Funding for USAR dogs will go to: Avon, Buckinghamshire, Devon & Somerset, Essex, Hampshire, Hereford & Worcestershire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Norfolk, Tyne & Wear, West Midlands, West Sussex and West Yorkshire FRS.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will have the lead role in coordinating training and establishing a national USAR dog duty rota.
The programme is part of the latest £16.7 million grant funding from Communities and Local Government to support the specialist equipment supplied to the Fire and Rescue Service.
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
