TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Wilson, a search and rescue dog with the Hualien County Fire Department, died in June after falling from the third floor during training.

The department's canine rescue team had been established for three years and included three dogs, CNA. Fancy and Hero are 4-year-old Labradors, while Wilson, a three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, gained recognition for his performance in the 2024 Hualien earthquake response.

Wu Chao-yuan (吳兆遠), director-general of the department, said Wilson was energetic and the only dog in the team that had not yet completed top-level certification. His handler was highly dedicated, often using off-hours to train and strengthen their bond.

Wu said that during a June exercise, Wilson was participating in a search scenario on the third floor of a training tower. He ran toward a rope access point used by rescuers, but an improperly secured gate caused him to fall and suffer fatal injuries.

Wilson had been with his handler for three years, and the handler was devastated by the loss. To support his recovery and reduce emotional stress, the department temporarily reassigned him and arranged counseling.

Wu emphasized the high cost and effort involved in training search and rescue dogs and urged strict safety checks before exercises. The handler was found negligent and received a formal reprimand.

With the remaining dogs now 4 to 5 years old, the department plans to request a smaller breed from Taiwan Customs to complement the existing team. This mix will enable them to adapt to various rescue scenarios.

Wilson became widely known after locating several earthquake victims along the Shakadang Trail in Taroko National Park. The fire department said his remains will be preserved, and a memorial monument will be created in his honor.