Essex County Fire and Rescue Service dog Jarvis is retiring at 11 — or 77 in human years.
The cocker spaniel has been a top canine for the National Resilience Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team and the UK International Search and Rescue Team (ISAR).
During his career, Jarvis has taken part in challenging and high-profile operations. He deployed to Jersey in January 2023, following a devastating explosion at a block of flats where 12 people went missing.
In July 2020, he was the only dog small enough to navigate the wreckage of the Bow crane collapse in London. He also searched in debris when a wall collapsed at Lewes Castle, East Sussex, in 2019.
Jarvis’ unique ability to search for live human scent, coupled with his remarkable determination, made him an invaluable asset to the team.
His handler, Graham Currie, called him “my best pal”. He added: “I am with him 365 days a year. The number of places I’ve been to and people I’ve met has been all because of him. He’s got to have trust and faith in me, and I have that in him.”
Jarvis worked tirelessly on training assignments in Sicily, spending 10 days searching under extreme conditions. He also went to Germany and France for ISAR exercises, took part in avalanche training in Scotland and underwent helicopter training for specialised rescues.
Jarvis was renowned for his boundless energy and as one of the most effective and methodical search dogs.
While his days on the frontline are over, he will continue to be a part of the team.
His handler Graham said: “When he retires, he will still come out with me, but he won’t be deployed on jobs. He’ll stay in the van and continue training. Otherwise, left at home he would die of a broken heart.”
At Jarvis’ retirement presentation, Graham said: “I’d like to thank my wife, Annette, and my daughter, Rebecca, and my son, Dan who have been unsung heroes.
“They’ve helped with Jarvis and all the dogs if I’ve been away working but also often laying in rubble and filthy hides for hours during training.”