Bhubaneswar: Odisha became the first State in the country to include a dedicated K9 squad comprising 10 trained dogs in the Fire Services department.
According to sources, these sniffer dogs will be deployed in various rescue operations to enhance the efficiency of the Fire Services personnel.
The K-9 Dog Squad, comprising 10 Labrador and Belgian Malinois breeds from the state police, has been imparted special training to carry out rescue operations.
These dogs have been specially trained to help firefighters find people trapped under debris following mishaps like earthquakes and landslides. Moreover, their performance will earn them rank, promotion and medals as well, sources said.
Satyapir Behera, Fire Officer of Principal Training Centre in Naraj said, “During Bahanaga train tragedy, we realized the importance of dog squads during the rescue activities. Keeping that in view, we have decided to include a K9 squad in the Fire Services department.”
“After approval from the Odisha government, puppies were brought from Rajasthan’s Dora. We received 10 dogs- three Belgian Malinois and seven Labradors. They have been imparted necessary training. They will be included in rescue operations during earthquakes and other natural disasters,” Behera added.
Earlier in October, the Fire Services department had added 22 ultramodern robots to its existing capabilities. These robots are called Fire-Fighting Robotic Monitors and they are capable of entering into raging flames and tame them.
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