Cliff, the four-legged hero dies

KUCHING: A sombre atmosphere surrounds the State Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA Sarawak) as the community comes to terms with the passing of a beloved four-legged hero, Cliff.

The courageous canine, who served faithfully alongside the department for five years died on Monday (December 25).

Cliff’s cause of death was cardiac failure due to a blockage in his kidneys from a tumour inside the bladder.

Cliff had become an integral part of the BOMBA Sarawak and he was known for his remarkable skills in cadaver search and rescue operations.

His keen sense of smell and agility were instrumental in locating missing persons on land and water.

BOMBA Sarawak director Datuk Khirudin Drahman expressed the department’s deep sense of loss over the passing of Cliff.

“The passing of Cliff leaves a void in our team and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of working with him.

“He was a cherished companion and a source of strength during challenging times,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune.

The English Springer Spaniel was born in January 2016 and he was acquired by BOMBA Malaysia in 2016.

Since 2018, Cliff was attached with BOMBA Sarawak under canine handler PBK II Steven Ambu.

Steven and Cliff during a routine exercise at Serian Fire Station.