Rescue dog who saved man after Clacton explosion to retire

Kirby, who first visited Essex Fire and Rescue Service at seven weeks old, will step down from operational duties on vets’ advice.

The 11-year-old English Springer Spaniel, who has also worked for the London Fire Brigade throughout his illustrious career, has been an integral part of the service’s urban rescue team since it was set up in 2012.

Just three days after he finished his specialist training he was called to a demolished house in Clacton, which had collapsed after an explosion.

Less than a minute after beginning his search, the dog assisted Clacton fire crews in finding a man who had been trapped for several hours.

Across his remarkable career he has been airlifted in helicopters, abseiled down buildings and worked with the police, ambulance service and military.

He has also become a favourite at hundreds of open days at fire stations across Essex, where he is always joined by handler Graham Currie.

The faithful hound even helped raised hundreds of pounds for charity, supporting Stanley’s Heroes, which raised more than £10,000 for Clacton firefighter Rob Newman’s son, Stanley, who has muscular dystrophy.

Mr Currie said: “I am incredibly proud of Kirby and his achievements.

“He is truly one of the very best at what he does and that is why he is so well thought of not only at our service, but across the UK.

“Kirby will still come along to events and open days throughout the county and I know many of you will be keen to see him as always, so please do come and say hello.

“Thank you to everyone for your messages of support.

“Kirby will now enjoy a well-earned retirement.”

One of Mr Curries other dogs, Jarvis, is undergoing training in order to become fully operational and will be taking his lead from Kirby.