Bomb-Sniffing Canines Named After 9/11 Victims

Ggillis bomb detection dog
Ggillis, a 3-year-old Labrador, is named after New York City police Sgt. Rodney Gillis who was killed on 9/11.

Chicago Police Officer Nick Spencer finds the best reminder of what his job is about at the end of a leash.

There, sniffing packages, garbage cans and even commuters at a downtown subway stop is Gillis — a 3-year-old black Labrador Retriever named after New York Police Department Sgt. Rodney Gillis, who died when the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed minutes after he ran inside.

Spencer is among more than 530 police officers who work with bomb-sniffing dogs named after police officers, firefighters and others killed when they responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His job, like that of other officers assigned to train stations, airports and bus terminals, is to prevent another attack.

“The best thing about naming the dogs after 9/11 victims is it keeps us on task,” said Scott Thomas, manager of the TSA’s Canine Breeding and Development Center.

And for Spencer, being partnered with Gillis became even more special when he was fortunate enough to meet someone who actually knew the late police officer.

Last year, Spencer and Gillis were patrolling outside Chicago’s Wrigley Field when he encountered a New York police officer wanting to know where he and his buddies could find a place to eat.

“He heard me say her name and said, ‘That’s a weird name for a dog,'” Spencer said. “When I told him, ‘She’s named after one of your guys,’ he gets choked up.” The officer knew Rodney Gillis.

San Francisco Police Officer Neil Fanene is also partnered with a dog named after a fallen 9/11 hero. His black Labrador Retriever Stack is named for Lawrence Stack, a New York Fire Department battalion chief who died on 9/11.

Fanene and Stack got to meet the late police officer’s family this summer when Officer Stack’s mother, widow and son left New York for Texas to attend canine Stack’s graduation ceremony along with the 7-year-old grandson Officer Stack never got to meet.

Gillis’ family said they were honored when they learned there was a dog patrolling Chicago with a black and yellow checkered collar signifying the rank of sergeant.

“All of the heroes we lost, they should be remembered and to be remembered in such a significant way is wonderful,” said Gillis’ mother, Geraldine.

His widow, Serina Gillis, agreed. And, she said her husband “would get a kick out of it. He loved dogs.”

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

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thesis
12 years ago

very cool post! thanks!

martha
martha
12 years ago

love getting up dates for our animal friends, who have put thier lives on the line for their human ppartners

USDevilDogMom
USDevilDogMom
12 years ago

A Great Honor to our Hero’s!!!…Thanks

Gourmet Dog Treats
12 years ago

Great. Salute to all fallen heroes.

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