Sherlock, London's Longest-Serving Fire Dog, Retires After 12 Years—He's Looking Forward to 'Plenty of Belly Rubs' He joined the fire brigade at only 10 weeks old. Close Credit: Courtesy of the London Fire Brigade Key Takeaways A Cocker Spaniel named Sherlock is retiring from the London Fire Brigade after 12 years of service. Sherlock began working for the brigade in 2012 at 10 weeks old.Notable career moments for Sherlock include being present at the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 and meeting King Charles III.He will spend retirement with his handler, group commander Paul Osborne, who has cared for Sherlock throughout his career. In 2012, a Cocker Spaniel named Sherlock joined the London Fire Brigade at 10 weeks old. After more than a decade of hard work, the canine is retiring after becoming the brigade's longest-serving fire investigation dog. Throughout his career, Sherlock attended the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, met royalty such as King Charles III, responded to hundreds of incidents, earned the prestigious Animal Hero Award, and even published his own book. In 2013, Sherlock became a fully certified fire investigation dog, working alongside his handler, group commander Paul Osborne. The canine can identify the presence of up to 10 flammable liquids like acetone and petrol. In recent years, he transitioned to a brigade ambassador, attending community events to promote fire safety and prevention. Credit: Courtesy of the London Fire Brigade A Pregnant Rescue Cat Sees Her Ultrasound for the First Time—and Her Reaction is Heartwarming “Following an illustrious and decorated career, Sherlock will be stepping down from LFB," Osborne said in a press release. "He has been working at the brigade for 12 years, and in that time has been influential in maintaining our dog handling capability way beyond his tenure as well as showing the other dogs the ropes." He continued, "In dog years, Sherlock is 100 years old, so it’s only fitting for him to hang up his boots now and take a well-earned break. He’ll enjoy a relaxed retirement filled with naps on the sofa, his favorite walks, and plenty of belly rubs." Sherlock will spend retirement at home with Osborne, who has cared for him throughout his lengthy career. The brigade’s agreement with the London Retired Police Dogs Trust (LRPD) will provide financial support for Sherlock. While Sherlock's presence will be missed, the brigade’s fire investigation team has other skilled dogs ready to work: Eight-year-old Simba and three-year-old Smokey. Explore more: Living Pets