A final goodbye: Bomba K9 tracker dog Cliff laid to rest at Serian Station

Khirudin (third left) and Steven (second left) along with other Bomba officers pay their last respects to tracker dog Cliff after a funeral ceremony at Bomba Serian Station on Jan 4, 2023.

By Karen Bong

SERIAN, Jan 4: Firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak gathered for a solemn ceremony this morning as one of their comrades, tracker dog Cliff, who had dutifully served in the K9 Unit for nearly seven years, was laid to rest at the backyard of Bomba Serian Station.

This English Springer Spaniel, born in the United Kingdom in 2016, joined the Bomba Sarawak K9 Unit in 2018 and specialised in cadaver or corpse detection.

He last served on a mission to Long Miri to search for a drowning victim before succumbing to a bladder tumour on Dec 25, 2023.

He is fondly remembered as a high-energy, playful and intelligent four-legged officer.

His handler, Steven Ambu, could not hold back tears as he tenderly placed Cliff’s remains into the burial ground. Soil was gently shoveled, accompanied by a special wreath and flower petals, creating a final resting bed that honoured the memory of the loyal canine.

Steven in tears as Cliff is laid to rest at the backyard of Bomba Serian Station on Jan 4, 2023.

“The unexpected loss of Cliff deeply affected all of us in Bomba. He was a very energetic, intelligent and extremely capable tracker dog.

“We have covered about 10 operations over the years including detecting bodies of drowning victims in the rivers. I am grateful for the invaluable contributions Cliff made to numerous operations,” he told reporters after the funeral ceremony today.

As the handler of Cliff and two other canines before him, Steven said it is always difficult to let go one of their own having formed strong connection with the dog, from ensuring his health to witnessing his happiness.

“When not working, he would bark upon seeing me entering the vehicle for an operation which did not involve him as he thought I would take him along. We often played catch with a tennis ball,” reminisced Steven, highlighting the cherished moments shared with Cliff.

Bomba Sarawak director Datu Khirudin Drahman emphasised that the passing of Cliff was a big loss for the Bomba community as well as Sarawak overall.

As a frontline member, he said this four-legged officer played a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness and success of numerous search and rescue (SAR) operations, ranging from locating missing individuals in jungles to retrieving drowning victims in rivers across the State.

Khirudin (third right) throws a handful of soil on the burial ground as Steven (second right) cries during canine Cliff’s funeral ceremony at Bomba Serian Station on Jan 4, 2023.

“When we mobilised the canine, every second in an operation is crucial to ensuring we can save lives or at the very least recover bodies. Cliff played important role in swiftly detecting victims, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of SAR operations and facilitating the timely transportation of surviving victims to health facilities for treatment.

“The presence enhanced the confidence of not only the Bomba but also the public. His contribution to Bomba was immense and exceptional,” he said.

Khirudin pointed out that these specialised dogs are valuable government assets that undergo training to utilise their senses, possessing capabilities beyond those of ordinary dogs.

Acknowledging their undeniable contribution to enhancing the operations and services of Bomba, he stated, “In forensic investigations, human officers may struggle to identify the cause of a fire, which could be challenging in court cases. However, canines excel in this regard, enhancing the integrity and justifiability of forensic reports and lab tests. For instance, in arson cases, their ability to detect accelerants can be crucial and is unlikely to be contested in court. That’s how indispensable they are.”

A Bomba officer Fabian with a canine in front of the empty pen where Cliff lived at Bomba Serian Station.

Cliff’s legacy includes active participation in critical operations, such as responding to the City One Mall explosion, searching for missing individuals like five-year-old Eric Chang, and aiding in locating a missing 64-year-old fisherman in Telaga Air.

As a dedicated and skilled search and rescue dog, Cliff will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. — DayakDaily