Sirius (police dog)
Sirius | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Police dog |
| Known for | Sole canine casualty during the September 11 attacks; detecting explosives in World Trade Center area |
Sirius was a Yellow Labrador retriever serving as a police dog with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, specializing in detecting explosives within the World Trade Center area. He holds the distinction of being the sole canine casualty during the September 11 attacks. On September 11, 2001, Sirius and his handler, Lieutenant David Waymond Lim, were stationed in a police office beneath the South Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower. Before responding to the incident, Lt. Lim secured Sirius inside his kennel. Lt. Lim entered the North Tower prior to its collapse and was rescued approximately five hours afterward. Despite Lt. Lim’s efforts to find Sirius amid the debris of the fallen South Tower, he sustained injuries that required hospitalization. Sirius’s remains were recovered on January 21, 2002, with a Police Honor Guard present at the recovery site. In recognition of his sacrifice, Sirius was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross by the British Embassy in Manhattan in April 2002.
Recognition
- In Lynbrook, New York, a commemorative plaque honoring Sirius was installed at a September 11 memorial.
- The National September 11 Memorial & Museum includes a tribute to working dogs involved in rescue efforts, showcasing Sirius’s collar badge and training leash. Additionally, a plaque within the museum pays homage to Sirius alongside other search and rescue dogs.
- For his bravery and ultimate sacrifice, Sirius received a posthumous Victoria Cross from the British Consulate General in New York.