Simba the Springer Spaniel and his handler Anton, from the London Fire Brigade. The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award - Extraordinary Life of a Working Dog

Extraordinary Life of a Working DogSimba the Springer Spaniel and his handler Anton, from the London Fire Brigade Four-year-old Springer Spaniel, Simba, assists his handler Anton in the London Fire Brigade as a Fire Investigation Dog. Simba is a crucial member of this life-saving team because he can very quickly detect a variety of ignitable substances and help determine whether a fire has been started deliberately, ensuring justice for victims of horrific arson crimes.Last year, Simba helped to bring murderers to justice after finding that accelerants had been used at a fatal fire in London. He indicated multiple points where an accelerant was found and his work at the scene helped with the police investigation. Simba also importantly provides great therapy to his two-legged colleagues, bringing a smile to their faces even after the toughest of days. As such trusted team members, Simba and Anton are now mentoring London Fire Brigade’s newest canine recruit, Watson, to help him learn the ropes. “Simba loves it,” Anton explains. “He’s brave and fearless - and during the pandemic he’s supported many other fire service teams in desperate times when they were short-staffed. “Simba is a hero to us and an integral part of the London Fire Brigade team.”