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Fire crews pilot new dog rescue Fire crews pilot new dog rescue
(about 2 hours later)
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is to pilot a new lifesaver - a Newfoundland dog - who will be part of the Marine Rescue Team.Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is to pilot a new lifesaver - a Newfoundland dog - who will be part of the Marine Rescue Team.
Three-year-old Paddy will be used for rescues in water and wetland areas.Three-year-old Paddy will be used for rescues in water and wetland areas.
The dogs, originally used by fishermen, have never been used professionally by an emergency service in the UK, a fire service spokeswoman said.The dogs, originally used by fishermen, have never been used professionally by an emergency service in the UK, a fire service spokeswoman said.
A second dog, a five-year-old called Murphy, will be used in schools as part of a water safety campaign.A second dog, a five-year-old called Murphy, will be used in schools as part of a water safety campaign.
Les Moulsdale is a crew member with the team and owns three Newfoundland dogs.Les Moulsdale is a crew member with the team and owns three Newfoundland dogs.
He said: "Paddy is trained for actual rescue work because he is so switched on and so fast at what he does.He said: "Paddy is trained for actual rescue work because he is so switched on and so fast at what he does.
"We have worked with him since he was six-months-old and I always thought he would be a fantastic rescue dog on the river." "We have worked with him since he was six months old and I always thought he would be a fantastic rescue dog on the river."
Mr Moulsdale and wife Judith demonstrated just how adept Newfoundlands are during the World Firefighters Games when Paddy scooped a gold medal in the Iron Dog competition, rescuing a casualty from the Salthouse Dock.Mr Moulsdale and wife Judith demonstrated just how adept Newfoundlands are during the World Firefighters Games when Paddy scooped a gold medal in the Iron Dog competition, rescuing a casualty from the Salthouse Dock.