April 24, 2007 – Henrietta, New York

The Henrietta Professional Firefighters and Dispatchers Association, IAFF Local 3738, announce the passing of Stanley The Fire Dog.

Stanley was a member of our family for over nine years. He was found as an abandoned puppy, left in a box on the side of the road along with a brother and sister.

Stanley was named after the Fire Captain on the television show “Emergency”. This name stuck with Stanley as he “ruled” Station 4.

Stanley adapted well to the hectic life around the fire station. At shift change every day, he would go to the back door and greet any on coming member and then go off to see other on duty personnel.

After any emergency incident, Stanley would sit at the door to the truck bays and wait for the trucks to return from emergencies. He would run out to the apparatus floor and welcome everyone back and he would instantly know if the incident was a stressful one by understanding the emotions of the firefighters. Stanley was a great stress relief tool at the firehouse. There were days he would be a fun loving dog and there were days it would be just having a child at home, driving you crazy. 

Stanley earned his keep by helping the Fire District with Fire Prevention and Education. Stanley visited the schools and taught the kids what to do if their clothes caught on fire. He would demonstrate Stop, Drop and Roll. He would act as tour guide to all the groups that visited the firehouse.

After the tour children would love to have Stanley demonstrate his Stop, Drop and Roll technique as well, plus the children got to give Stanley a treat. Stanley was so well liked by the kids that when they visited the fire station the fire trucks came second.

Stanley also had his own web site dedicated to teaching fire prevention to children. Stanley was featured in several newspaper articles and on local television news programs and one that was carried nationally.

Stanley retired last year and has lived with a firefighter since retirement. Even though he has passed and will be deeply missed, his life here with us will always be remembered and his message that he taught to the kids of this community will never be forgotten.