Barney the hero fire dog set to retire

Sep 7 2010 By Jack Abell

barney

A BELOVED fire investigation dog is set to retire from the Bucks Fire and Rescue team after four years of service.

Barney, who joined the group in 2006 and earlier this year won the Hero Dog title at the Dogs Trust Honours ceremony, was adopted from South Bucks RSPCA eight years ago as a puppy.

His handler Kerry McShane, has worked with him for almost his entire life, and said: "He's a true hero and such a good friend."

Barney is a black collie cross with a white chest and white feet and began life as Kerry's pet, training in obedience and agility.

His career as a fire investigation dog began in September 2006 after nearly a year of specialist training.

Since then he has attended 286 fire scenes, wearing special boots to protect his feet, and has worked throughout the Thames Valley Region.

He has has also given displays at numerous community safety events to promote arson reduction across the county.

Barney's fire investigation certificate expires next week and he is set to go back to being one of Kerry's pets, making occasional appearances at open days as a fire safety and arson reduction ambassador.

His position is set to be taken by another of Kerry's dogs, a four-year-old Labrador called Ember, who has worked alongside him for the past two years.