North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue this week is mourning the loss of one of its own, a much-loved and vitally important but seldom seen part of the city’s first responders.
The department announced this weekend that LoeLoe, its explosives detection K-9, passed away last Thursday, Sept. 9.
LoeLoe was born in the Netherlands in 2012 before being flown to the U.S. She was trained by NMBFR Squad 3/B Fire Lieutenant Jacob Weeks with the assistance of master trainers from Enforcement K-9 International, Inc. located in Wilmington, N.C., in January and February two years later.
City officials said that LoeLoe also served with the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety and tallied more than 400 hours of service in her long and noble career serving the city. She was certified to detect more than 15 explosive odors, ranging from homemade to military-grade explosives. She also performed numerous hours of training each month to ensure they were proficient and reliable at all times.
Some of LoeLoe and Lt. Weeks’ duties included assisting with public education, keeping the citizens and visitors of the city safe by performing preventative sweeps before and during major public events, responding to bomb threats, tracking suspects of crimes and missing persons and working with the U.S. Secret Service personnel assisting in security sweeps for presidential candidates and Foreign Dignitaries.
“Although sometimes not seen due to the majority of their work being completed behind the scenes,” the department said in a statement. “K-9 LoeLoe and her handler, Lt. Weeks were dedicated to keep the citizens and visitors of our great city safe.”
NMBFR said LoeLoe was was joined by Lt Weeks, the crew from Squad 3/C Battalion, Fire Chief Garry Spain, Deputy Chief Billy Floyd and NMBDPS Sgt. Will Norton in her final moments before “crossing the rainbow bridge.” The department also extended their thanks to staff at the Animal Hospital of North Myrtle Beach for their accommodations.
“Thank you K-9 LoeLoe for your dedicated service to our city and department,” NMBFR said.
