A HERO fire investigation dog has been awarded a top animal medal.

       Black labrador Reqs was the longest-serving fire dog in the UK when he retired earlier this year after 11 years.

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       Black labrador Reqs has been awarded a top animal medal Credit: PA 3

       Reqs, pictured with Nikki Harvey, was the longest-serving fire dog in the UK when he retired earlier this year after 11 years Credit: PA 3

       Reqs was presented with the PDSA Order of Merit gong

       Yesterday, he was presented with the PDSA Order of Merit gong.

       The award “recognises animals that display outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society, above and beyond normal companionship — and represents an exceptional example of the special relationship between animals and humans”.

       Reqs joined Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2012 aged one.

       Over the next 11 years, he attended more than 500 blazes across Herts, Beds, Cambs and East Anglia— wearing shoes to protect his paws from hot floors.

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       Together with investigators including his handler — watch commander Nikki Harvey — he helped sniff out crucial evidence in cases including arson and murder, resulting in more than 250 years in jail for offenders.

       Reqs is the 42nd recipient of the medal, along with 29 other dogs and 12 horses.

       The ceremony was at Hertfordshire’s Joint Emergency Services Academy in Stevenage.

       Former handler Nikki said: “Reqs is an amazing dog who as well as his devotion to duty and service within the fire service, is also a loving member of our family. He’s helped me through many tough times, at work and personally.

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       “Together we’ve attended some traumatic scenes, but he’s the one who pulls me through and we always had a hug at the end of a bad day.

       “Reqs is retired now and enjoying every minute.”

       PDSA chief Jan McLoughlin said: “We’re incredibly proud to be honouring Reqs. It’s a fitting tribute to his lifetime of dedication and work.”