Sparky the Girdwood Fire Dog passes away

By Bill Chadwick
Special to the Turnagain Times

It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Sparky the Fire Dog. Sparky died Friday evening from complications of old age. He was 14 years old. Sparky spent his days at work with his owner, Chief Chadwick of the Girdwood Fire Department, and his nights at home with his family.
In a town notable for its dogs, Sparky was an active member of the Girdwood Fire Department, performing important public relations functions and acting as the greeter to anyone stopping by the Fire Station.
Sparky visited the Girdwood School on a yearly basis during fire prevention week to help spread the message of fire prevention and safety to the children of our community. He could “stop, drop and roll” and would perform other fire safety demonstrations to the delight of the schoolchildren.
Over the course of his career, Sparky appeared in a number of made for TV public service announcements related to public safety and fire prevention including a National Geographic special on quicksand.
Sparky’s ashes will be scattered on the grounds of the Girdwood Fire Station and a plaque fixed in remembrance. He will be missed by his coworkers and friends.
Bill Chadwick is Chief of the Girdwood Volunteer Fire Department.