Princess the fire dog leaves
friends behind in Freehold
By clare MARie celano
Staff Writer
Firefighters in the Freehold Fire Department are mourning the death of Princess, who died on March 27 after serving as the department’s mascot for 11 years. The flag outside the fire department was flown at half-staff in her honor last week.
The Freehold Fire Department is a bit quieter these days. The firefighters have lost their mascot.
Princess, a Dalmatian who was a friend and companion to the town’s volunteer firefighters over the last 11 years, died on March 27, leaving behind saddened comrades and a host of lovely memories in her wake.
Princess came to the department in 1992, following in the footsteps of her two Dalmatian predecessors, also named Princess. The first Princess made her appearance in the fire department in 1970 and stayed until 1982. After her death, the second Princess arrived and lived at the firehouse until 1992.
According to Robert W. Taylor, president of the Freehold Fire De-partment, Princess was always a "big hit" with anyone who knew her.
A favorite with children, the Dalmatian was always the best part of any tour provided by the department, according to Taylor. Princess tagged along with firefighters on "field work" for Fire Prevention Week, visiting schools and churches, and was always good with children, according to Taylor who has been with the department since 1980.
The Dalmatian also accompanied firefighters in parades.
Taylor said when Princess was a puppy, hearing the sirens would get her all excited and worked up.
"Later on," he said, smiling, "she became accustomed to the noise and, just like old firemen, she let the young guys do the work," Taylor said.
The Dalmatian had her own space in the firehouse — actually two spaces, a cozy bed by the radiator in the large room of the firehouse and a smaller space in the corner of the dispatch unit where she also spent a great deal of time, especially at night.
Over the years the Dalmatians known as Princess have made their mark on borough residents and on the hearts of volunteer firefighters.
Bill Maushardt, a member of the volunteer fire department for 32 years, remembers Princess and her predecessors. He also remembers the story behind the tradition of the firehouse Dalmatian.
"It originated in London. Dalamations were known as ‘coach’ dogs. They would ride with the stage coaches because they were known to have a calming effect on the horses and they were very loyal to their owners. Over the years, firemen moved to horse-drawn carriages. When they reached the scene of the fire, they had to tie their horses up to wooden poles. At this time, it was the function of the Dalmatian to protect the horses from the other dogs and calm the horses down."
Over the years with the advent of motorized fire trucks, according to the firefighter, the role of the Dalmatian has become less active, evolving into the "mascot" role we now know the breed to be today.
According to fire officials, the Freehold Fire Department is the only department in the area to have a Dalmatian as a part of its "staff roster."
Maushardt said Princess became sick over the last six months, developing a bladder tumor.
Members of the fire department, who normally all pitched in for her daily care, took turns nursing her and administering medications to her during the last few weeks when her conditioned worsened.
The fire department flag flew at half-staff for Princess last week. Her name has been placed on the fire department memorial that stands next to the firehouse as a special tribute to one of their own. Princess’ memory now rests with her ancestors and firefighters of days gone by.