Award-winning Lancashire fire search dog who helped with earthquake rescues retires

Monday, 3 August 2026 13:28

By Central Radio News

A Lancashire fire search dog who has helped rescue people around the world has retired after nine years of outstanding service.

Davey joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in 2017 after being rehomed from the Dogs Trust.

What began as a second chance for a rescue dog developed into an extraordinary career, with Davey training alongside his handler, Lindsay Sielski, to become a highly skilled Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) search dog.

Throughout his career, Davey supported major search and rescue operations, training exercises and international deployments, demonstrating exceptional dedication and professionalism in challenging environments across the world.

This included service helping to locate survivors following devastating earthquakes in Türkiye, Morocco and Venezuela, supporting humanitarian efforts in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable.

He also represented the UK during the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) External Reclassification (IER) in Switzerland, where the UK canine team was recognised for its high standards in international search dog operations.

His remarkable contribution has been recognised with several prestigious honours, including being named the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) International Search and Rescue Dog of the Year. He was also recognised at Crufts for his achievements as a working search dog.

Davey played a key role in the UK's National Resilience USAR capability and the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team.

As Davey begins his well-earned retirement, his operational duties will be taken over by Search Dog Finn, a Labrador who will continue the vital work of supporting search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, Davey will enjoy a quieter pace of life at home with Lindsay.

A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said that Davey's journey from rehomed rescue dog to internationally recognised search and rescue specialist highlights the invaluable role that working dogs play in emergency response and disaster recovery operations.

LFRS thanked Davey for his exceptional service and wished him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.