Holly with her handler Neil Woodmansey.

Labrador Holly worked for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue

Tributes have been paid to a well-known fire and rescue dog who has sadly passed away.


Black labrador Holly (15) was one of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s most renowned dogs, earning herself many awards for her work.


Working with the Urban Search and Rescue team, she was involved in rescuing casualties from events like earthquakes, explosions and building collapses.

Following the Haiti and Pakistan earthquakes, Holly helped search and rescue teams reach multiple casualties trapped in the rubble. She also assisted in the wake of the Stockline Plastics explosion in Glasgow.


In 2011, Holly was crowned Golden Oldie at the Dogs Trust Honours. The labrador ran with her handler, Neil Woodmansey, in the Olympic Torch relay and was later dubbed ‘Sleafordian of the Year’.


Since the news of Holly’s death, tributes have been pouring into Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s Facebook page.

One person commented: ’Pleased to have had the pleasure of meeting her and seeing her in action, so sad! Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue has lost a vital member who deserves an appropriate send-off and memorial!’

‘Another said: ‘Holly served her whole life, she is now with all the other SAR & working dogs I've had the pleasure of working with. Run painless & free Sweet Ol' Girl! SAR & other working dogs are VERY special. Their humans too.’