Negro, an adorable dog, has spent 10 years of his life living with the firefighters in the Chilean city of Iquique. The animal was a happy presence in the firefighter's no doubt stressful lives and they treated him like one of their own.
Source:Â Cuerpo de Bomberos de Iquique
Unfortunately, as Negro got older, his health started to worsen. On March 6 2018, the dog sadly died at the grand old age of 14. Firefighters reported his passing away on their Facebook page:
This afternoon, one from our ranks left the earth — our four-legged firefighter. Thank you very much for all the years you’ve been with us. We’ll remember you forever.
Source: Cuerpo de Bomberos de Iquique
They then went on to say a final goodbye to Negro through a beautiful ceremony. They even bestowed upon him the rank of "honorary firefighter".
Source: Cuerpo de Bomberos de Iquique
Fire Captain Jorge Tapia toldSoyiquique.cl:
Negro was one of us, one of this family. He was respected, loved. We said goodbye in a very emotional ceremony because we were saying goodbye to one of our own, who was an important part of this company.
Source: Cuerpo de Bomberos de Iquique
The dog's casket was carried out, flanked by the firefighters, before being buried close to the station. A tree was also planted nearby, in loving memory.
Source: Cuerpo de Bomberos de Iquique
H/t: The Dodo