TSA Explosives Detection Canine
Named to Honor Firefighter Killed on 9/11

 

Firefighters at Engine 33/Ladder 9 met the newest member of the FDNY family on April 23, when a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Explosives Detection Canine named King visited the firehouse.

The dog is named in honor of Firefighter Robert C. King, Jr., of Engine 33, who was killed on September 11, 2001.

“We are so proud,” said Audrey King, Firefighter King’s mother. “This is a wonderful legacy for us to cherish.”

Robert Hyde, proprietor of the canine program for the TSA, said the 20-month old black Labrador Retriever was the star of his training class.

“He’s really good at what he does,” he said.

The TSA has been using explosive detection canines for decades and Mr. Hyde said they have recently begun naming the dogs in honor of fallen heroes: “to bring us pride and give us strength.”

During the ceremony Firefighters Bobby Schmuck and Mike Ottrando from Engine 33 presented King’s handler, Inspector Nathan Chase, with an FDNY badge, as well as a smaller version for the dog to wear.

Another badge was given to Firefighter King’s family.

Firefighter King, 36, was remembered as a skilled handyman who built several tables that are still used at the firehouse.

He also was remembered as a skilled and dedicated firefighter with nine years on the job.

“He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave,” said Firefighter Schmuck.

Firefighter Ottrando added, “He always seemed to be at the center of everything. He was the quintessential senior man.”