2/23/2012.. A Deep and Profound loss for Durham Highway
The members of Durham Highway FD sadly announce the passing of "Angus" Angus was a 14 1/2 veteran of the department where he was and integral part of the community. Angus had begun to suffer a significant loss in his quality of life forcing the membership to make a difficult decision.
On February 23rd at 4:15 in the afternoon, he was laid to rest peacefully surrounded by his brother firefighters at the station that he built. He then was given full department honors. Thank you to the Brothers and Sisters of the Fire Service community, the fine people of our Fire District for their care and compassion for Angus and their firefighters as we did what had to be done. |
Angus as a TAR HEEL TRAVELER
Click the image to see the feature story on WRAL's TAR HEEL TRAVELER show hosted by Scott Mason. It was a very nice piece profiling Angus. Where he got his name, and what it's like in the firehouse, always knowing Angus was there.
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"Angus" Always in our hearts
As many know, we lost Angus in a way befitting his status to the department. He was surrounded by all the members as he was quietly put down on February 23rd. This page will forever be a tribute to Angus and his loyalty to the department. That being said please read this information as our lasting memorial to our Brother.
One of the first questions asked by the citizens of any member of the Durham Highway FD is "How did Angus get his name?" The answer is simple.
When Angus was just a puppy Durham Highway was dispatched to a commercial structure fire. That fire was the "Angus Barn" restaurant. The fire was a long and dirty fire. Angus sat in someones hat on the dashboard of the truck. The name just happened, and stuck.
Angus has become an icon of the neighborhood. People are used to seeing him walking the property doing his business and watching the world go by. Citizens stop by the station all the time with treats and cameras wanting to take picture with Angus. Angus has seen dozens of firemen come and go over his years.
Angus is a member of the department, as such he has a badge and is allowed to ride on calls. He has been a great fire safety advocate, teaching kids for years, how to "Stop-Drop-Roll", how to feel for a hot door, and how to "Get low and Go"
Angus is older and slower now, he has arthritis in his hips, which has slowed him down quite a bit. He doesn't run calls with us anymore, and he only makes a few "guest" appearances in public. Without question Angus is one of the most respected members of the department.
One of the first questions asked by the citizens of any member of the Durham Highway FD is "How did Angus get his name?" The answer is simple.
When Angus was just a puppy Durham Highway was dispatched to a commercial structure fire. That fire was the "Angus Barn" restaurant. The fire was a long and dirty fire. Angus sat in someones hat on the dashboard of the truck. The name just happened, and stuck.
Angus has become an icon of the neighborhood. People are used to seeing him walking the property doing his business and watching the world go by. Citizens stop by the station all the time with treats and cameras wanting to take picture with Angus. Angus has seen dozens of firemen come and go over his years.
Angus is a member of the department, as such he has a badge and is allowed to ride on calls. He has been a great fire safety advocate, teaching kids for years, how to "Stop-Drop-Roll", how to feel for a hot door, and how to "Get low and Go"
Angus is older and slower now, he has arthritis in his hips, which has slowed him down quite a bit. He doesn't run calls with us anymore, and he only makes a few "guest" appearances in public. Without question Angus is one of the most respected members of the department.
Angus FAQ's
How did Angus get his name?
From the big Angus Barn restaurant fire back in the late 90's.
Is he a member of the fire department?
YES. Angus is a full fledged member with is own badge he wears out on public safety events.
How old is Angus?
Angus is 14 years old.
Is Angus healthy?
Angus has lived a long dog life. He has suffered from seizures for years which is controlled by medication. Now Angus is having a hard time moving around because of the arthritis in his back hips.
Does Angus do any tricks?
He does, or did we should say. He used to "Stop-Drop-Roll", Feel for a hot door, and crawl under the smoke. Now his old bones won't let him do those things anymore.
Does Angus ride on fire trucks to calls?
He used to ride on a lot of calls when he was younger. Now that he is older he doesn't ride with us anymore.
Does he live at the firehouse?
Yes. He sleeps on a bed in the main building under the water fountain.
Who feeds and takes care of him?
Everyone. All the firemen from the department feed him, keep his water bowl full, and take him to the vet, when he needs it.
Who is Angus's Vet?
The vets at Leesville Animal hospital have been taking care of him for many years.
Why does he show his teeth when people walk up?
One of the strangest things about Angus's personality is the scary looking "grin" he has which looks like a dog growling with his lips turned up and showing his teeth. This is actually Angus's way of grinning. It's a good thing. It means he likes you!
Is he afraid of the trucks?
NO. Angus has been around Firetrucks his whole life.
Is he afraid of anything?
YES. Thunderstorms or loud sudden noises scare him to death. When a storm rolls through you can find his hiding under the desk in our front office.
How did Angus get his name?
From the big Angus Barn restaurant fire back in the late 90's.
Is he a member of the fire department?
YES. Angus is a full fledged member with is own badge he wears out on public safety events.
How old is Angus?
Angus is 14 years old.
Is Angus healthy?
Angus has lived a long dog life. He has suffered from seizures for years which is controlled by medication. Now Angus is having a hard time moving around because of the arthritis in his back hips.
Does Angus do any tricks?
He does, or did we should say. He used to "Stop-Drop-Roll", Feel for a hot door, and crawl under the smoke. Now his old bones won't let him do those things anymore.
Does Angus ride on fire trucks to calls?
He used to ride on a lot of calls when he was younger. Now that he is older he doesn't ride with us anymore.
Does he live at the firehouse?
Yes. He sleeps on a bed in the main building under the water fountain.
Who feeds and takes care of him?
Everyone. All the firemen from the department feed him, keep his water bowl full, and take him to the vet, when he needs it.
Who is Angus's Vet?
The vets at Leesville Animal hospital have been taking care of him for many years.
Why does he show his teeth when people walk up?
One of the strangest things about Angus's personality is the scary looking "grin" he has which looks like a dog growling with his lips turned up and showing his teeth. This is actually Angus's way of grinning. It's a good thing. It means he likes you!
Is he afraid of the trucks?
NO. Angus has been around Firetrucks his whole life.
Is he afraid of anything?
YES. Thunderstorms or loud sudden noises scare him to death. When a storm rolls through you can find his hiding under the desk in our front office.
