A retired fire service search dog who served on international rescue missions has died.
Davey, who was rehomed from Dogs Trust and joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) in 2017, died after a short illness.
He spent more than nine years working in search and rescue across the UK and abroad, before retiring in August.
LFRS said Davey will be deeply missed by his handler, Lindsay Sielski BEM, her family, and colleagues at LFRS.
Jon Charters, chief fire officer, said: "Davey was an exceptional search dog who made an enormous contribution to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and to search and rescue operations across the world.
"Alongside Lindsay, he responded to some of the most challenging emergencies imaginable, representing both Lancashire and the UK with distinction.
"His achievements throughout his career were remarkable, but what made Davey particularly special was the affection people had for him.
"Whether he was deployed overseas, taking part in an exercise or meeting people at a community event, he made an impression wherever he went."
He qualified as a specialist urban search and rescue (USAR) dog and became part of both the National Resilience USAR capability and the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team.
He was deployed on missions following major earthquakes around the world.
Mr Charters said: "We are all deeply saddened that Davey had so little time to enjoy his retirement.
"Our thoughts are with Lindsay, Steve and Luca, who have lost a much-loved member of their family.
"Davey gave so much during his life, and I can think of no more fitting tribute than for his legacy to help other retired service animals.
"We will always be incredibly proud of him and grateful for his extraordinary service."
His service was recognised when he was named the International Fund for Animal Welfare's International Search and Rescue Dog of the Year.
He was also honoured at Crufts.
A GoFundMe page has been launched in Davey’s memory to raise funds for the NFRSA, which supports retired police, fire, prison, and Border Force dogs and horses with veterinary costs.
All funds raised will go toward helping retired service animals and their families.
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The Countess Bathurst, founder and chair of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), said: "Having seen Davey only in April, I know personally what a special boy he was.
"I had the privilege of hiding for him during a search demonstration—he found me in about thirty seconds, which said rather more about his talents than mine.
"He deserved a long and happy retirement, and it is heartbreaking he had so little time."
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