On January 15th, 2022, the DeLand Fire Department in Florida celebrated the grand opening of the new Station 81. During the ceremony, an unattended dog decided to show up and take a little jog around the station and apparatus bay.
Eventually, the firefighters were able to catch the dog and turn him over to local animal control. 30 days later, no one had come forward to claim him. That’s when the fire department decided to keep him and make him their official station dog.
Henry’s Duties As “Station Dog”
The fire department named the dog Henry “Hank” DeLand. Henry now lives at Station 81, the place he fortuitously discovered accidentally last month. According to the department, he’s currently in the process of being microchipped, neutered, and getting all of his shots.
A station dog will offer comfort and support to the firefighters during their long, emotionally challenging 24-hour shifts. Of course, the love will be wholly returned to Henry.
“Henry is sure to be loved and have plenty of people to play with and room to run around,” the department said in a statement.
Henry will also accompany DeLand firefighters to community outreach events like parades and visits to local schools. He’s now an official member of the squad and, if I may say, an extremely cute fireman.
The Community Celebrates Their Latest Addition
After the DeLand Fire Department announced their official adoption of Henry on Facebook on February 15th, members of the Florida community reached out to thank the heroes for rescuing him.
One resident, Julia Thornhill, commented on the Facebook post:
“Thank you for giving him a forever loving home. Remember he found you all first.”
Local Barbara Vallejera-Proctor, who works for an Italian ice shop near the fire station, invited Henry and his co-workers/parents to stop by any time:
“[Y]ou guys are awesome for doing that… come see us at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice for a pup cup and free treats for you guys!!”
Another local resident, Megan Medina-Jolly, who works for DeLand pet shop WoofsniffWag.co, even offered to send Henry “a little firefighter bandana to celebrate.” Amy Neiman of “Bark Avenue” offered to donate monthly spa days to keep Henry “looking and smelling his best.”
Good thing Henry decided to crash a party at his town’s fire station! Anyone living nearby DeLand can now expect to see Henry at the fire station most days.
