The Richmond Volunteer Fire Department not too long ago acquired Axe, a chocolate Labrador retriever puppy, as a search and rescue canine. (Courtesy of Robert Reindel)
A request to fetch an axe now has two completely different meanings on the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department, because the division not too long ago acquired a search and rescue canine named Axe.
The chocolate Labrador retriever puppy was not too long ago chosen by the division for the specialised activity of trying to find and rescuing folks. Assistant Fire Chief Robert Reindel, who can also be a metropolis councilor, mentioned the division determined to amass the canine after being approached by Cliff Morgan, a retired Okay-9 officer of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
“It was the first of the year. We were approached by Cliff Morgan, a retired K-9 officer and also a trainer. He asked if we would be interested in a program, something he is starting up. And we talked it over, and obviously agreed we were interested in doing this because he stated the need for these types of services in our communities. So we said absolutely,” Reindel mentioned.
Axe will probably be educated in search and rescue, specializing to find lacking individuals reminiscent of circumstances of medical emergencies, misplaced kids or senior residents.
“That’s a beautiful dog. And again, I think it’s going to be a great addition,” Mayor Tim Rix mentioned throughout a Feb. 19 metropolis council assembly. “Especially, I believe, what got some of this started was that some of the other people who were offering those type of dogs, that type of service for us, in the near future, it sounds like they may not be offering that service any longer.”
“We really appreciate what Cliff did for us,” he added.
Reindel mentioned the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department bought the canine out of its personal funding, reminiscent of donations acquired by the neighborhood. He additionally mentioned hearth division members have been brainstorming concepts for added funding for Axe.
Commercial House Restaurant, Bar and Lounge hosted its second annual Bibs and Brews occasion on Feb. 24 at its location at 69294 N. Main St. in Richmond. Patrons have been invited to decorate in winter bibs and revel in dwell music, drinks, video games and hearth pits on the outside occasion. A chili prepare dinner off was held with a $10 entry charge, and all proceeds have been donated to the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department. Reindel mentioned the funds will probably be used for Axe as one of many some ways of funding his maintenance. He additionally mentioned the division is contemplating future occasions that would proceed to fund Axe’s maintenance and assist him to change into seen locally.
“So far we have been fortunate, the local Tractor Supply is willing to sponsor Axe as far as food, treats, any kind of training tools he needs,” Reindel mentioned. “At Tractor Supply we have set up frequent appearances.”
The hearth division is moreover establishing strategies for the general public to donate to Axe’s care and upkeep. Reindel mentioned info will quickly seem on the division’s web site and Facebook web page.
Reindel mentioned the division hopes to deliver Axe to varsities for Fire Prevention Week to extend his visibility and socialization.
Axe is at present about 5 months old. Reindel mentioned he was obtained by a breeder from the Pellston space, advisable to the division by Morgan. He additionally mentioned the division was capable of decide Axe up in early January within the Royal Oak space.
Fire Lt. Nicholas Yelencich volunteered to be the first handler for Axe. It was Yelencich who got here up with the identify Axe, consistent with a hearth division theme. Axe will dwell with Yelencich and will probably be on name with him, simply as different firefighters within the division are on name, Reindel mentioned. Yelencich’s son is on the fireplace division and lives in the identical residence as Yelencich, so he’ll function a secondary handler.
“Axe is probably at the station two or three times per week as it is,” Reindel mentioned, including that Axe’s visits to the station will enhance when his coaching is full and certification earned.
The Lenox Township Fire Department additionally not too long ago acquired a chocolate Labrador retriever puppy for search and rescue functions named Freddie. Freddie can also be being educated by Morgan, at no cost to Lenox Township. Richmond-Lenox EMS Chief Jeff White mentioned a lot of the coaching will probably be finished at Morgan’s business in Lenox Township, and Freddie might be able to begin his new job by about July. Axe might additionally change into licensed by July, Reindel mentioned.
“We are training jointly with Lenox Township Fire. We’re doing it all as one unit, their dog and our dog. The dogs are from the same breeder. Cliff is located in Lenox Township and at his home he built a training facility,” Reindel mentioned.
As coaching progresses, Axe will even develop to coaching in numerous places all through Richmond as a way to present him with a wide range of experiences and situations, in response to Reindel. He described this system as the primary of its sort within the state, one thing that Morgan has been creating.
“It is so new there is not a set standard. We are setting the standard as we go with the program, which is exciting also,” Reindel mentioned.
Reindel mentioned because of the newness of this system, coaching prices are minimal.
“Costs that are associated with training this first time are minimal just because we are kind of writing the rules and setting standard operating guidelines for the dogs as we go along. As Cliff stated, it’s a small way of giving back to some of the communities he worked in all these years,” Reindel mentioned.
For extra details about the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department, go to cityofrichmond.web/340/Richmond-Volunteer-Fire-Department or fb.com/RichmondVolunteerFireDepartment.
Nicole Tuttle is a contract reporter for The Voice.
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