Tributes paid to a Hampshire Fire and Rescue dog Inca after years of loyal service

The beloved four-legged firefighter, Inca, helped out at more than 500 operations with her fellow Labrador fire dog Saxon, who passed away four weeks before Inca, after she was put to sleep last Friday.

Following a combined 126 dog years of loyal service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service joined members of the public in paying their respect to Inca.

Both Saxon and Inca were the first fire service dogs with Inca serving eight years and her older brother Saxon serving for a decade.

One key case the sibling duo helped to crack was following a fire in Gosport in 2010.

Petrol had been poured through a letterbox before being set alight. Both Saxon and Inca were deployed as part of the investigation and sniffed out a trace of petrol, which eventually led to the jailing of David Regan who was found guilty of endangering life.

Fire investigation officer Graham Howlett, with whom the dogs lived, said: “They were highly skilled dogs and they helped get the Arson Task Force to where it is today, and the new dogs are upholding the high standards set by the pair. The service owes them a debt of gratitude.

“While they were working dogs they were also much-loved pets and members of the family.

“They are dearly missed and to lose Inca four weeks after Saxon was particularly sad.”

Members of the public and other firefighters took to social media to pay their respects to Inca following news of her death.

Matt Peskett, group manager for Bristol and North Somerset, said: “All they ever ask is that we show them our love, for that we get their devotion, no matter what we ask. Rest easy fire dog.”

Angela Jones wrote: “So sorry for the sad loss of your beloved dogs.”

Chief Fire Officer in Humberside, Chris Blacksell, said: “Really sad to hear. Fire investigation dogs are a vital part of the team. RIP.”

Spaniels Millie and Ruby and Border Collie Harvey are currently continuing the work pioneered by Saxon and Inca for the fire service.