UK Fire & Rescue Services K9 Memorial

03/06/2026

Yesterday, the memorial was visited by members of The National Association of Fire Investigation Dog Handlers (NAFIDH).

They were greeted by Frannie Theobald, Pete and Robert Jordan of The Living Memorial operation sweet pea and conducted their meeting in a building known as 'The Marquee' (More like the Tardis) where they discussed incidents, training and K9 and Handler welfare.

This was followed by a viewing of the new K9 memorial, the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial as well as other memorials set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland.

A fantastic lunch was provided by Fran in the Marquee, while outside the heavens opened!

Several training searches were then conducted and all dogs proved their worth, in locating some very difficult hides.

NAFIDH would like to thank Fran, Pete and Rob for accommodating our meeting and training and for looking after us so well!

28/05/2026

We'd like to thank RONNIE CUSTODIAN, Nion & Gretzki from Custodians MC England for their very generous donations to our project.

Thanks for your support guys and keep it shiny side up! 🐾🏍

20/05/2026

Having now funded the statue and its unveiling at the Living Memorial in Rettendon, we now move on to Phase Two of the project. This being the placing of plaques bearing the names of dogs that have served the UK Fire & Rescue Services and are no longer with us.

We've achieved so much in the past two years and now we have a lasting tribute to Fire & Rescue Service K9s in the UK. Sculpted by the very talented Dave Taylor, the statue depicts a Labrador search dog wearing harness and boots standing on the rubble of a collapsed building. Gazebos each side of the memorial give members of the public, firefighters and handlers a quiet place to sit and reflect on the lives saved, crimes solved and comfort given by man's best friend.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/andrew-earl?utm_term=78J6EnVRg&utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

14/05/2026

On Saturday, an impromptu collection was started by the lovely Frannie Theobald at The Living Memorial operation sweet pea.

Many people donated money into the big red fire bucket and we are pleased to announce that a total of £526.60 was collected.

This gives us a massive kick start to Phase Two of the project that we will be launching this weekend.

We'd like to thank everyone that generously donated.

Andy Earl & Graham Howlett 🐾

National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial
Red Knights Motorcycle Club, England 4

11/05/2026

10/05/2026

Saturday 9th May.

What a tremendous day enjoyed by all. It was a fantastic turnout, with firefighters attending from across the UK, Europe, Canada, and the USA. The atmosphere was made even more special by the outstanding performances from The Sutherland Pipes and Drums Sutherland Pipes and Drums, alongside award-winning Mezzo-Soprano Friederike Krum who delivered moving renditions of the National Anthem and Amazing Grace.

Following several speeches, the K9 sculpture was officially unveiled in the early afternoon, as part of the second anniversary celebrations of the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial receiving tremendous feedback from everyone in attendance.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to everyone who donated to Frannie Theobald impromptu fire bucket collection today. The funds raised will go directly towards Phase 2 of the project, including the ordering and installation of future memorial plaques.

The K9 memorial is made all the more special as it is positioned opposite the firefighter statue and wall of remembrance in the lovely grounds of The Living Memorial operation sweet pea, Rettendon, Essex.

A massive thank you to Red Knights Motorcycle Club, England 4 for all their help and advice from the very beginning of this project, to Frannie, Pete and Rob of The Living Memorial, for all their hard work prepping the site, roping in a couple of former Royal Marines to lay the concrete and purchasing the gazebos. The members of the public, that generously donated to this project and of course the very talented Dave Taylor Sculptureman who also produced the wonderful firefighter statue opposite.

Now, Phase 2 of the project commences, with further research into the UK Fire Service dogs that have served over the years and the placing of more plaques on the gazebos.

Their names will now live on forever. 🚒🐕

Graham Howlett & Andy Earl 🐾

20/04/2026

27/03/2026

Wishing our amazing Fire Investigation Search Dog, Hoodie 🐾, a very happy retirement!

After supporting investigations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Hoodie is hanging up his boots following years of dedicated service helping bring offenders to justice and promoting fire safety in our communities.

He’ll now enjoy a well-earned rest with his handler, family, and fellow search dog, Red ❤️

18/03/2026

Our thoughts are with you, Dave 😪

25/02/2026

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