DeLand Fire Department Has New Four-Legged Friend

DeLand, FL – DeLand’s new fire station now has a new four-legged tenant. His name is Henry “Hank” DeLand—named after Henry Addison DeLand, the namesake of the city—and his first time at Station 81 came in January when he made a surprise appearance during the station’s grand opening. At the time though, he wasn’t “Henry,” he was just a stray dog found wandering the station during the ceremony. When someone managed to finally catch him, they brought him to animal control, who found he had no tags and no microchip. After spending a month in the shelter, no one came to collect him. But not all hope was lost. After 30 days in the shelter, the DeLand Fire Department decided to adopt Henry and make him a permanent addition to Station 81. And he won’t just be a mascot, Henry will have his own duties to perform around the firehouse. The goal behind adopting Henry is to provide the firefighters with some comfort and love during their long and often emotionally strenuous 24- hour shifts. “Being able to decompress and having an animal around to pet is therapeutic in a lot of ways,” said DeLand Fire Chief Todd Allen. “It makes the firestation a little homier as well.” Henry, who is sure to be a favorite with kids, will also tag along when DeLand firefighters go out into the community for outreach events such as visits to local schools and parades in the near future.