On Oct. 1, the City of Pueblo honored an invaluable member of the Mesa Junction community by proclaiming Oct. 1 โKevin the Fire Pup Dayโ in the City of Pueblo.
The City of Pueblo said manโs best friend has played an integral role throughout the history of firefighting. The first fire pups in the 1700s and 1800s were Dalmatians who started their careers as carriage dogs. The dogโs bark served as a siren; they ran ahead to create a clear path, and provided companionship to the horses. Dogs also guarded empty firehouses, acting as sentries and providing protection from bandits while firefighters were on calls.
With modern technology, the role and breeds of fire pups expanded. Some today aid in search and rescue, some are experts in arson detection, and many play a part in fire prevention education efforts. They also provide emotional support to firefighters and members of the community.
For the Mesa Junction community, Basset Hound Kevin, the fire pup of Station 3, is an invaluable member, where he is a daily playmate for neighborhood children, a never-ending source of cheer to everyone he passes on his walk, and, when needed, provides comfort to children who are lost in distress. Kevin is a beloved companion of Station 3.
โHe selflessly serves 24/7, supervising their morning yoga sessions, sitting on empty laps, climbing into not-so-empty beds, teaching lessons in responsibility by stealing unsupervised sandwiches, and welcoming his crew home after tough calls. Kevin provides loyalty and companionship to our firefighters, who bravely face dangerous situations every day, offering unwavering support and his comforting presence in the firehouse,โ writes The City of Pueblo.
