The Medal of Honor for acts of courage and dedication rewards any person who, at the risk of their life, comes to the aid of one or more people in danger of death. Tuesday January 21, in the premises of the Jura prefecture, the prefect Serge Castel rewarded several officials of the internal security and relief force for their exceptional commitment.
But it was towards Gerko that all eyes were turned, when from the hands of the prefect the German shepherd received, in the same way as a man or a woman, the medal for act of courage and dedication, bronze level, for 17 people rescued during his career of around ten years.
“Gerko, on behalf of the Minister of the Interior, we award you the bronze medal for an act of courage and dedication. »
Engaged a hundred times
François Trossat, dog handler and volunteer firefighter at the Sellières barracks, was moved during the decoration of his exceptional canine. “It’s a very strong bond that unites us and which translates into extraordinary results on the ground. »
Aged 13, the German Shepherd retired a few months ago. “In his career, he has been involved a hundred times, both in search operations for people or victims of collapse or during water rescues. »
-Like the five dog handlers in the Jura departmental fire and rescue service (SDIS), a very strong bond unites the master and the animal. “Gerko lives at home with our two children. He is a full member of the family. »
Regular training
Dog handling is also a demanding passion. Every week, under the responsibility of Jean-Marc Blanod, SDIS technical advisor, tracking exercises take place with a reference odor. Furthermore, the pair carries out several intense exercises annually with teams from neighboring departments.
Gerko will end his days in his master's family. But the passion for dogs does not stop for Master Corporal François Trossat. “I have already found his replacement, Pep's, a five-month-old Malinois, currently being trained. »
