Sirius (police dog)
| Species | Dog |
|---|---|
| Breed | Labrador Retriever |
| Sex | Male |
| Died | 11 September 2001 (aged 4) 2 World Trade Center (1971–2001) |
| Cause of death | September 11 Attacks |
| Occupation | Explosives detection dog |
| Employer | Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department |
| Known for | Being the only canine fatality of the September 11 terrorist attacks |
Sirius was a Yellow Labrador police dog for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department responsible for explosives detection in the World Trade Center complex.[1] He is noted for being the only working dog fatality of the September 11 attacks. On 11 September 2001, Sirius and his handler Lt. David Lim were in a police office below the South Tower of the world trade center complex when upon feeling the shock of American Airlines Flight 11 crashing into the North Tower, he put Sirius in his kennel and went to investigate. Lt. Lim was inside the North Tower when it collapsed, and was rescued 5 hours later.[2][3] Although he attempted to find Sirius in the rubble of the now collapsed South Tower, he was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent's Hospital to be treated for injuries from the collapse. The remains of Sirius were recovered on 21 January 2002 with a Police Honor Guard present.[4] In April 2002 the British Embassy in Manhattan posthumously awarded Sirius the Victoria Cross.[5]
Recognition
[edit]- A memorial plaque was constructed for Sirius at a September 11 memorial in Lynbrook, New York [2]
- The National September 11 Memorial & Museum has a collection on display dedicated to the working dogs involved in the response and recovery efforts for the September 11 attacks which includes Sirius' collar badge and training leash.[3] A plaque was also dedicated at the museum for Sirius and all of the other working dogs involved in rescue efforts.[6]
- The British Embassy in Manhattan posthumously awarded Sirius the Victoria Cross as recognition for his heroism and death.[5]
See also
[edit]Further reading
[edit]- Fellows, Hank (2018). Sirius, the hero dog of 9/11. New York, NY: 9/11 Songs and Books. ISBN 978-1-4948-7907-5.
References
[edit]- ^ "SIRIUS – Ron Burns". Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ a b "Officer who survived WTC collapse reflects on 20th anniversary of 9/11". TODAY.com. 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ a b "A Tribute to PAPD K-9 Officer Sirius | National September 11 Memorial & Museum". www.911memorial.org. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Giacovas, Richard (2023-08-04). "9/11 Museum honors Sirius, the dog who protected the WTC". FOX 5 NY. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ a b Marty, Van Duyne (2011-09-14). "Canines honored with Sirius Courage Awards". INSIDENOVA.COM. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Lieutenant helps dedicate plaque to K-9 that lost life in 9/11 attacks". ABC7 New York. 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2024-11-13.