The Brief
- Talon, a veteran search and rescue dog, is retiring from the Phoenix Fire Department after eight years of saving lives locally and nationally.
- The pup specialized in “live-find” missions, deploying for building collapses, missing persons, and major FEMA disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.
- Talon will spend his retirement as a family pet with his handler, Battalion Chief Mike Smith, to protect his health and joint mobility.
PHOENIX – An important member of the Phoenix Fire Department is retiring after eight years of service, but this one saved lives on four legs.
Local perspective:
Talon, an 8-year-old search and rescue dog, is hanging up his vest. Of all the tools Phoenix Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Smith uses, he said Talon stands out above the rest.…