Bedwarmer. Plate cleaner. Ambassador. Teacher. Faithful companion through thick and thin. For nearly 14 years, Blaze the Fire Dog did it all at North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. He led a full life that began as an all-out fireman.

His promising career in the department’s operations division was cut short by some destructive chewing. Apparently, Blaze had a taste for upholstery and radio equipment.

It was his way of requesting a transfer, perhaps.

Blaze was described as “unusally calm and friendly for his breed, Blaze charmed citizens — young and old — with his exceptional good looks, his loving disposition, his patience with children, and his impressive demonstration for his ‘stop, drop and roll’ technique,” according to Michele Laboda, NKF&R’s community service specialist.

Children remember him for being warm, sweet and loving.

Adults remember him for the same reasons.

Canines, especially those that serve dual roles like Blaze did, squirm their way into the hearts and souls of those around them, nestle in, and remain forever.

Blaze certainly did that. As an ambassador for the fire fighters, he spent a lot of time at local preschools and schools, teaching fire safety in only a way a sweet, sad-eyed, begging dalmation can.

“He lived in the fire station throughout his career, and, between staions tours and classroom visits, provided consistent service to fire fighters by cleaning their plates and keeping their beds warm when emergencies called crews away from meals and rest times. “

Tuesday was truly a sad day for the North End.

The loss of a pet can be an excruciating experience like no other, in some cases equivalent to the loss of a human companion or even family member.

We mourn, deeply and completely, with NKF&R.

May the fire fighters’ beds be always warm and their plates be always cleared. And may Blaze live on in the hearts of the fire fighters and community members.

Rest in peace, Blaze.