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Sherlock: The Fire Brigade Dog
Meet Roscoe, Murphy and Sherlock, the firefighters’ most trusted and hard-working companions.
Working tirelessly alongside their human counterparts, Roscoe, Murphy and Sherlock brave the still-warm sites of recent fires as part of the London Fire Brigade's fire investigation team. Wearing custom-made boots for protection, they identify the cause of fires and a variety of substances such as petrol using their greatest tool - their keen sense of smell! Selected at an early age, living with their handlers and attending thousands incidents together over their careers, the canine team are truly man's best friend.
Fire Dogs: Four-Legged Heroes tells the uplifting and inspiring true story of London Fire Brigade’s brave four-legged heroes for the first time.
Working tirelessly alongside their human counterparts, Roscoe, Murphy and Sherlock brave the still-warm sites of recent fires as part of the London Fire Brigade's fire investigation team. Wearing custom-made boots for protection, they identify the cause of fires and a variety of substances such as petrol using their greatest tool - their keen sense of smell! Selected at an early age, living with their handlers and attending thousands incidents together over their careers, the canine team are truly man's best friend.
Fire Dogs: Four-Legged Heroes tells the uplifting and inspiring true story of London Fire Brigade’s brave four-legged heroes for the first time.
- GenresAnimalsNonfiction
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2018
14 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 5, 2018
Simply loved, loved the front cover ! Sherlock is an amazing dog who assists LFB with fire investigations. You gain a real insight into what it's actually like working with Sherlock.
Great read - five stars!
Great read - five stars!
January 9, 2023
What a great book. Sherlock is a little star and obviously worth his weight in gold to the London Fire Brigade. Not your typical heroic dog tale either, it didn't follow the formula I've seen other books use. I also had to look up video of Sherlock at work and in my mind the mark of a good book is wanting to check it out further once you've finished.
August 22, 2018
I enjoyed reading about Sherlock and his partner firefighter Paul Osborne. They are a wonderful team investigating fires for the London Fire Brigade.
June 28, 2018
The true story of a working dog
This tells the real-life story of what a young, energetic Cocker Spaniel has the potential to do working as part of the Fire Investigation’s Unit. Osbourne reflects on his experiences as part of the London Fire Brigade as well as his unbreakable bond with Sherlock. The investigation of dangerous fire scenes with the help of Sherlock’s nose for identifying causes has helped to keep London safe.
I felt that this provided a realistic portrayal of life for a working dog and his owner, opening up my eyes and at points making me laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Sherlock as well as reading some lovely and some tear-jerking stories about their experiences. It opened up my eyes to what firefighters have to cope with on a daily basis, which was something fresh to read.
I would recommend this to anyone that is a dog lover!
Lucy
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This tells the real-life story of what a young, energetic Cocker Spaniel has the potential to do working as part of the Fire Investigation’s Unit. Osbourne reflects on his experiences as part of the London Fire Brigade as well as his unbreakable bond with Sherlock. The investigation of dangerous fire scenes with the help of Sherlock’s nose for identifying causes has helped to keep London safe.
I felt that this provided a realistic portrayal of life for a working dog and his owner, opening up my eyes and at points making me laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Sherlock as well as reading some lovely and some tear-jerking stories about their experiences. It opened up my eyes to what firefighters have to cope with on a daily basis, which was something fresh to read.
I would recommend this to anyone that is a dog lover!
Lucy
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 27, 2018
A wonderful love story between a fire investigator and his very special dog. Sherlock is clearly more than just a dog both to Paul Osborne's family and the London Fire Brigade and their love for each other shines through every page. A must for every dog lover.
April 14, 2023
I love reading about working dogs in today's new canine skill jobs. This cocker spaniel has an exceptional nose and work ethic, even for a gun dog. He became a dedicated fire investigation dog in London, and his handler, who had to pass qualification tests, describes the situation.
Sherlock loves getting muddy, digging holes, eating things he shouldn't, and especially he loves tennis balls. A ball game is his reward for finding potentially flammable substances. Some great photos show the pair at work. Although, it is hard to see a dark dog in a soot-covered building.
Paul the handler tells his own story too, which shows that dyslexia did not have to be a barrier once he found the right job. I found the book easy to read, intelligent and friendly in tone. Paul communicates with kids as he represents the Fire Brigade, and he respects his female colleagues. His family are a great support. I did note, he says 'man's inhumanity to man' which I would prefer just described as inhumanity. Suitable for anyone over twelve, and some younger readers, especially dog lovers.
This is an unbiased review.
Sherlock loves getting muddy, digging holes, eating things he shouldn't, and especially he loves tennis balls. A ball game is his reward for finding potentially flammable substances. Some great photos show the pair at work. Although, it is hard to see a dark dog in a soot-covered building.
Paul the handler tells his own story too, which shows that dyslexia did not have to be a barrier once he found the right job. I found the book easy to read, intelligent and friendly in tone. Paul communicates with kids as he represents the Fire Brigade, and he respects his female colleagues. His family are a great support. I did note, he says 'man's inhumanity to man' which I would prefer just described as inhumanity. Suitable for anyone over twelve, and some younger readers, especially dog lovers.
This is an unbiased review.
March 29, 2020
Sherlock and his handler Paul work in the London Fire Brigade investigating fires, Sherlock’s nose is one of the best pieces of kit the brigade has when it comes to investigations.
The book takes us through the training the pair undertake, giving us a glimpse of their home life and show us some scenes they have worked together.
Trained to sniff out anything that may have caused a fire such as fuel. Sherlock, while short in stature, is a huge part of the investigation process. Between them Sherlock, Paul and the other dog crews within the LFB are making the capital safe for must of us but scarier for arsonists.
The book takes us through the training the pair undertake, giving us a glimpse of their home life and show us some scenes they have worked together.
Trained to sniff out anything that may have caused a fire such as fuel. Sherlock, while short in stature, is a huge part of the investigation process. Between them Sherlock, Paul and the other dog crews within the LFB are making the capital safe for must of us but scarier for arsonists.
March 6, 2021
I thought this was a brilliant book highlighting the role of both the fire service and the fire investigators. It's well-written and accessible which would make this a great book for readers of all ages. The fact the book focuses on individuals who are hard working and driven is brilliant and hopefully inspires younger readers to do the same. The only thing I would suggest is considering the author is dyslexic, I would have liked to have seen the book being more dyslexic friendly e.g. on the paper and in the type font that makes it easier for those with dyslexia to read. However, the book has a fantastic message throughout and I think should be in all school libraries and read by all!
May 9, 2024
This book is so interesting and so fascinating and so inspiring I think more people need to read this book. It shows you the life and work a fire fighter and there work dog does. The dog isn’t just a work dog it’s also a family dog who is so loved and so cared for. I really enjoyed reading about how the dog works with the fire people and how they found what cause the fire. The photos in this book show you a true inspiration of a dog. I can’t wait to read the second book xxx
April 7, 2019
Cute story with some interesting anecdotes. Not edge of your seat stuff, but nice
May 8, 2023
Loved this true story book. Amazing, heartwarming, remarkable, extraordinary working dogs.
January 11, 2020
This is a FANTASTIC book!!!! Even if you’re not interested in the fire service, or dogs, you will still find this an incredible book to read. I know the men and women of the fire service are remarkable people and never get the gratification they deserve, but I am absolutely amazed by the hard work both Paul and Sherlock undertake. All this work and awareness to ensure that the general public are kept safe, and to assist the police in the conviction of criminals. Both Paul and Sherlock are a great pair of fire service personnel.
July 7, 2018
Good book.
More interesting and informative than gripping and exciting, but still a VERY good book about a relatively new service.
I love books about working dogs, and have read about every kind of working dog I can. So far, the traditional working dogs, such as sheep dogs, (border collies), police dogs and guide dogs, the historical such as war dogs, (both the dog that flew in planes in World War 2 and the dog to survive as a Japanese prisoner of war), and the newer, more cutting edge dogs, such as dogs for the disabled, cancer detecting dogs and now this....Hydrocarbon Detection Dogs!
I think dogs are amazing, and we have only just started to scratch the surface of what they can do! The very fact that in the last 20 years or do, it has become recognised they have more skills than just as police or guide dogs, shows we are just starting to tap into their skills and noses!!
This book is about Sherlock the London Fire Brigades Hydrocarbon Detection Dog, how he sniffs our fire accelerants and helps secure convictions. Possibly less exciting sounding than a police rescue dog finding missing people and immediately saving lives....but make no mistake, Sherlock saves lives too! It’s also the story of Paul, his handler and how they became a team.
After recently seeing the TV program ‘Into the Fire’, about West Midlands Fire Brigade and seeing their Fire Detection Dog working with his little red boots on, it was a real pleasure to also read Sherlock’s story.
More interesting and informative than gripping and exciting, but still a VERY good book about a relatively new service.
I love books about working dogs, and have read about every kind of working dog I can. So far, the traditional working dogs, such as sheep dogs, (border collies), police dogs and guide dogs, the historical such as war dogs, (both the dog that flew in planes in World War 2 and the dog to survive as a Japanese prisoner of war), and the newer, more cutting edge dogs, such as dogs for the disabled, cancer detecting dogs and now this....Hydrocarbon Detection Dogs!
I think dogs are amazing, and we have only just started to scratch the surface of what they can do! The very fact that in the last 20 years or do, it has become recognised they have more skills than just as police or guide dogs, shows we are just starting to tap into their skills and noses!!
This book is about Sherlock the London Fire Brigades Hydrocarbon Detection Dog, how he sniffs our fire accelerants and helps secure convictions. Possibly less exciting sounding than a police rescue dog finding missing people and immediately saving lives....but make no mistake, Sherlock saves lives too! It’s also the story of Paul, his handler and how they became a team.
After recently seeing the TV program ‘Into the Fire’, about West Midlands Fire Brigade and seeing their Fire Detection Dog working with his little red boots on, it was a real pleasure to also read Sherlock’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews