Say hi to Huey

Portland Fire Department has a new member.

He’s the youngest of the group, just 5 years old.

He has no previous training, but he seems to be picking up on things quickly.

Meet Huey, the fire department’s first station dog.

“We’ve been talking about getting a dog for a number of years,” said Portland Fire Chief Mike Weitzel.

Until August, the discussions had never led to any action.

Then Weitzel and firefighter Zach Hudson saw a Dalmatian at the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association Show at Jay County Fairgrounds. Hudson later approached Diane Wilz, the woman who had the Dalmatian with her at the show. He got contact information for the breeder in Springfield, Ohio.

Hudson reached out and learned about Huey, who had competed in American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club shows until he was 4. (His travels included previous shows at Jay County Fairgrounds.) Owner Jessica Beard explained that typically she retires show dogs at that point and seeks to find them quality homes in which to enjoy their retirement.

Weitzel, who had been skeptical because of previous interactions with Dalmatians, opened up to the idea.

“After hearing the story behind this guy, his training that he has, I thought it was going to be a great benefit,” he said.

Huey got special treatment after Hudson, who also works for Sonrise Aviation, mentioned the plans to bring him to the department. 

Sonrise owner Hal Tavzel suggested they fly to get him. Following a 20-minute flight, Beard met Tavzel, Hudson and his son at the airport to hand off Huey, who turned 5 last month.

“He’s definitely adjusting well,” said Hudson. “He’s opening up.”

So, why a dog for the fire department?

Well, there’s the nostalgia of Dalmatians with fire departments. Dating back centuries, the dogs were used to run alongside carriages to clear the path and keep horses calm during fire runs. Over time, they became like mascots for fire departments.

But there are practical reasons as well. No. 1 on that list is mental health.

“With the stress of the job, both mental and physical traumas, common stress relief in fire services is to have a dog,” said firefighter Travis Theurer.

“After some of the calls we go on, coming back, having somebody greet you, just like your dog is at home, it’s nice to have,” said Weitzel.

Weitzel also noted the public relations aspect of having a dog as part of the department.

That was on display during Huey’s second week with the crew, when he went with Hudson for a fire extinguisher class at Jay County High School. When the class was over, Hudson and Huey spent a few minutes walking around the school.

“They loved him,” Hudson said.

Those who have not yet met Huey will have the chance to do so at Portland Fire Department’s annual Fire Safety Day, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. He’ll be part of the event along with firetrucks, other local emergency responders with their vehicles and the Lutheran Air medical helicopter.

Though Huey is a companion and not a working dog, he quickly got some experience on the job.

On his second day with the fire department, Weitzel took him on a visit to city hall. As they were walking out the door to leave, a medical call came in.

Weitzel decided to see how Huey would react.

“He jumped in the passenger seat,” said Weitzel, noting that it was not a “lights and sirens” call. “We went across town and I jumped out and he sat in the passenger seat the whole time … He’s been a good dog for us.”