#FlashbackFriday from Lakeland History & Culture Center: A Dog Named Smoky – Lakeland Fire Department Mascot
For over thirty years, the Lakeland Fire Department did not have a dog at a station, but in 1995 Smoky, a nine-week Dalmatian puppy arrived to fill the mascot role. Firefighters celebrated meeting their new friend by passing around bubblegum cigars.
Members of the Lakeland community contributed to making this happen. The owners of the Petland Store at Lakeland Square Mall donated the purebred pup as well as travel expenses, a local veterinarian stepped in to offer free neutering and vaccines, while another citizen gave free obedience training. The young dog was found to be very friendly and outgoing – a real bonus when he would be working around children.
The tradition of having a Dalmatian at a fire station goes back to when firetrucks were pulled by horses. Most dogs are afraid of horses, but the Dalmatian breed are not, so stations routinely placed them with the fire department as coach dogs, riding in the front seat along with the chief in parades.
Smoky’s primary duty as mascot was to help children feel at ease when the fire safety instructions were being conducted. He did not go to fires. He served as ambassador to the department by making public appearances throughout the city. He demonstrated “stop, drop and roll” and wore a doggie seatbelt when traveling to show how “seatbelts save lives.” During his off-duty time he lived with handler Cheryl Wahl at her home until he passed away in 2003.
To learn more about the Lakeland History & Culture Center at the Lakeland Public Library, visit LakelandGov.net/CultureCenter!