The Honorable Retirement Ceremony of the Top 119 Rescue Dog 'Sobaek'

Planning to Find a Second Life as a Pet

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Central 119 Rescue Headquarters of the National Fire Agency announced on the 12th that it will hold an honorable retirement ceremony for Yeongnam 119 Special Rescue Team’s 119 rescue dog 'Sobaek' tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters auditorium.

Sobaek (Retriever/male) has faithfully carried out 119 rescue missions by responding to a total of 223 disaster sites over the past nine years. Among these, he has saved 13 precious lives, greatly dedicating himself to protecting the safety of the public as a 119 rescue dog.

In particular, during the collapse accident at Gwangju I-Park on January 11 last year, Sobaek performed search and rescue duties and discovered the first missing person underground on the 13th, two days later. Over the course of about a month until the last missing person was found, he provided crucial information that helped locate four out of six buried victims, earning a well-deserved reputation as the best 119 rescue dog.

Additionally, by showing outstanding performance in various competitions and events, he has been recognized as ▲TOP DOG, the highest honor at the National 119 Competition hosted by the National Fire Agency ▲Recipient of the Republic of Korea Brave Companion Animal Award ▲Certified as a Level 1 composite (mountain and collapse) rescue dog, thereby confirming his status not only as a 119 rescue dog but also as a veteran rescue team member.

119 rescue dogs are operated according to the National Fire Agency’s regulations (119 Rescue Dog Management and Operation Regulations). Considering various conditions and situations such as the dog’s age and health status, a review committee decides to ensure they can live comfortably after retirement. Sobaek, currently a senior dog at 9 years old (equivalent to a human over 65 years old), was decided to retire through a review committee last October. After the retirement ceremony, he will be given free of charge to the public to live his second life as a companion dog.

Jo Injae, head of the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters of the National Fire Agency, said, “We highly praise and will never forget the hard work of 119 rescue dog Sobaek, who devoted his life to rescue sites for the people.” He added, “Now, we hope he can put down the heavy sense of duty and enjoy a happy retirement as a companion dog.”