Andy, Mobile’s Oldest Firefighter Retires
Mobile Fire-Rescue announces the retirement of their oldest firefighter at the grand age of 91 years old. It was 13 years ago when Andy was chosen; pick of the litter of course, to replace the aging Sparky, the fire department’s Public Education Dalmatian. The annual Fire Expo was being held at the Fairgrounds that year and even though he didn’t know it, Andy was being closely observed as the new replacement for the Public Education program. “Andy had many qualities that made him interesting. He was a handsome and strong lad and he was one of the last of Sparky’s pups. “But the thing that was the tie breaker is really kind of funny” stated Kent Landsberg who is the Public Educator and Andy’s owner/trainer. “He was the only one that didn’t run away when the sirens went off”.
At the very young age of 4 weeks Andy began his training in such areas of firefighting as “Stop, Drop, and Roll” and “Crawl Low Under Smoke”. He also perfected the usual sit, come, stay, and heel. His trainer threw in a couple of extras such as waving hello and goodbye and giving kisses. With that, Andy hit the road and began working at 9 weeks old.
To the delight of young and old alike Andy has traveled Mobile County teaching fire safety for the past 13 years. He has performed in well over 100 shows each year and he’s been petted and hugged by over 100,000 children in his career. He has complained of a migraine after lengthy programs. It’s not the work; it’s all those hugs that get to him.
It would be fair to say that Andy is a well rounded firefighter with many other interests outside of work obligations. He loves to chew and a good tennis ball is probably his favorite. Occasionally he gets a real treat when he finds an abandoned golf ball. That’s when his training to “crawl low” comes in handy. His favorite time of year is Mardi Gras, not for the parades although he has attended quite a few. It’s the moon pies he loves. He won’t turn them down except for maybe, a golf ball.
Andy admits that his favorite color is red, fire truck red. And, when it’s time to go he is usually the first one on board. But at 13 years old (91 in dog years) Andy has exceeded his mandatory retirement period, according to our pension plan, so it’s time to turn it over to the young guys and let them carry on. In this case, the younger guy will be Precious the Cockatoo. Precious is only 15 years old but will step up as the primary performer for the new programs available to our community. “Precious does a good job, is a good bit smaller than Andy, and works for bird seed”, says Kent. “The kids love her and so do the adults”.
So, with deep appreciation for a job well done we wish Andy a long and healthy retirement. Now he can enjoy the benefits of serving the public well and doing what he likes best of all, rolling on his back in the grass and taking a nap. Yep, sounds like retirement to us.
