Dog Names Meaning Fire

Perhaps no story greater displays the bond between a firehouse dog and the crew of fireman who shared their lives with the special canine then the story of the petite Dalmatian named Twenty. As a young female Dalmatian pup, she was a gift that was bestowed on the fireman of the New York City Fire Department’s  Ladder 20  by two Rochester sheriffs in an effort to restore morale to the devastated crew. She was quickly given the moniker ‘Twenty’.

During the tragedy of September 9, 2001, the Ladder 20 company lost nine fellow firefighters on the 35th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower.  When Twenty entered the firehouse all members of the crew were still grieving the significant losses sustained that fateful day. However, from the minute that Twenty walked into the firehouse, everything started to change. She quickly cheered the crew up and gave them something to smile about.

Twenty was a sweet, calm dog whose very presence was a morale booster. She would ride on all of the fire runs. The happy spotted dog liked to sit sidekick in the engine with her head poking out the window. She enjoyed barking as they embarked on a call. Soon, Twenty became a local celebrity. She was adored by children and adults. Everyone loved the black and white spotted dog who was a fixture at the firehouse and rider on every call.

For 15 years, Twenty shared her life with the FDNY crew. Her passing was felt throughout New York City. "She became our mascot and companion,”  FDNY Lieutenant Gary Iorio posted on Facebook. “She really helped to build the morale in the years following 9/11. I can’t say enough about what she did to help us. She went on all the runs, she’d jump in the truck, stick her head out the window and bark. She became a local celebrity.Today, Twenty has taken her final run to Heaven. Rest in peace, man’s best friend.”

There is very little doubt that firehouse dogs have a profound impact on not only the crew but the townspeople who also grow to love the pooches. They become local celebrities that play a crucial role in education and fire awareness. School children love nothing more then when the local firehouse dog comes to class.