[ad_1]
Lucille, the Altoona Fire Department’s fire detection dog, sits behind handler Justin Smithmeier’s 2016 Interceptor. The department wants funds to buy a new vehicle that accommodates a crash-protection cage so Lucille can stay safe at work.Photo provided
Justin Smithmeier liked his job at the Altoona Fire Department before he became the handler of the Altoona Fire Department’s new fire dog, Lucille.
Now Lucille is by his side at work all day and the rest of the time he’s home with his wife and two sons. he likes his job “10x better”
In order to ensure that his source of job satisfaction remains safe while traveling with Smithmeier during his anticipated five-year service with Smithmeier, the department will now have readily available I’m trying to finance a new vehicle that can accommodate the crash protection cage that I can — or if I can’t, I’ll have to pay to build a custom cage for the SUV Smithmeyer currently drives. .
Lucille takes the backseat of that Ford Interceptor. “sling” A setup that provides her with a flat surface that extends from door to door.
However, during the accident, a flying object injured her and even threw her away. “God forbid” Getting out of the car, Smithmeier said.
He wants to offer a fully enclosed roll cage “put in” to protect her.
In the event of an accident, the dog cage insert protects her from flying gear and prevents her from popping out completely, but not necessarily from a fall in the cage, he said.
Smithmeier said the roll cages that manufacturers typically stock today are hard to find for the 2016 Interceptor.
So he wants to get a vehicle that accepts the roll cages available today.
This could include interceptors for 2020 and beyond, he said.
He said such a car would cost about $25,000.
Alternatively, he said, if the department could only raise $12,000 to $15,000, it would look for a manufacturer to make an insert that would work with the old interceptor.
“We could definitely go that route.” He said.
He often travels with Lucille, a two-year-old black lab.
Smithmeier said she can detect arson in 12 counties, from New York down to Maryland.
She can also be used for smell demonstrations in schools and businesses.
The fundraiser began six weeks ago, sending letters to businesses and other organizations in Blair County and notifying them on social media and news.
The division has raised about $2,700 so far.
The ministry welcomes donations of all sizes, he said.
Those willing to help can call the Altoona Fire Department at 814-949-2230 and speak with Arlene, Smithmeier said.
Checks can be mailed to the Altoona Fire Department, 1319 Washington Ave., Altoona PA 16601, paid to the City of Altoona, with Arson K9 Donation on the memo.
You can also vote for K-9 Lucille in the Aftermath K-9 Grant contest.
Voting is open from today until October 30th.
Vote on the Contest Website at https://www.aftermath.com/k9-grant, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AftermathCares, or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com I can. /aftermath
k9grant/?hl=en.
To encourage donations, “We are happy to meet you.” Smithmeier said.
Lucille is friendly and loves meeting new people. “Over the Moon” Knowing she’s a service dog, some were hesitant at first, but of the interaction, he said.
Many people are unfamiliar with the concept of dog fire detection, he said.
Lucille does it by sniffing out evidence of the facilitator.
She only eats when she finds a stimulant set by Smithmeier, so she trains every time she eats.
He has the second best job in the department, behind Lucille himself, he said.
“She is my shadow” He said. “I can’t imagine anything happening to her.”
In addition to helping protect Lucille, the funds raised can be used to pay for Smithmeier and Lucille’s annual certification.
Miller Staff Writer William Kibler at 814-949-7038.
how to help
The Altoona Fire Department welcomes donations of all sizes to help ensure Lucille’s safety. A check can be paid to the City of Altoona, with Arson K9’s donation written on the note field, and then mailed.
Altoona Fire Department,
1319 Washington Avenue.
Altoona, Pennsylvania, 16601.
You can also vote in the Aftermath K-9 Grant contest, which runs through October 30th.
To vote, please visit the contest website.
www.aftermath.com/k9-grant
Or on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/AftermathCares
Or on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/
aftermathk9grant/?hl=en
[ad_2]
Source link
