Gator, you'll be missed
I have never written an obituary for a dog before but I'll give it a shot. This lab is deserving of one:
Gator, the arson dog who served the city for nine years and was featured most recently in an August Daily Bulletin article, has died. Gator, short for "Investigator," was a Labrador Retriever with a keen nose for arson evidence.
According to Gator's owner, retired fire investigator Susan De Antonio, Gator investigated 100 fires in the Inland Empire and even helped convict an arsonist to seven years in state prison.
Many people in the community know Gator at fire station open houses and other community events. This week, the City Council ended the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of the celebrated canine.
Councilman Dennis Michael, a former fire chief, praised Gator for never complaining.
"He always showed up on time and is the only employee of the city who worked for food," Michael said.
Gator is survived by De Antonio, his girlfriend Mee-Too, fellow arson dog Denali, and his grandpa Klingler.
Gator, the arson dog who served the city for nine years and was featured most recently in an August Daily Bulletin article, has died. Gator, short for "Investigator," was a Labrador Retriever with a keen nose for arson evidence.
According to Gator's owner, retired fire investigator Susan De Antonio, Gator investigated 100 fires in the Inland Empire and even helped convict an arsonist to seven years in state prison.
Many people in the community know Gator at fire station open houses and other community events. This week, the City Council ended the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of the celebrated canine.
Councilman Dennis Michael, a former fire chief, praised Gator for never complaining.
"He always showed up on time and is the only employee of the city who worked for food," Michael said.
Gator is survived by De Antonio, his girlfriend Mee-Too, fellow arson dog Denali, and his grandpa Klingler.
How about a photo of Gator?????
Thank you, Wendy, for your column. Didn't the city post a photo of Gator up on the screen when they spoke about him? I sent my favorite photo, along with his obituary, to Chief Bell. It will be prominent in his memorial service, tentatively scheduled Jan. 9th at Fire Station 174. I hope we see you and your photographer there. Thank you again.
Susan De Antonio
Gator truly helped make the community a better place. He assisted in saving lives, made many friends and brought smiles to all of us who knew him. Thank you Gator and the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District.