3 photo collage of Fire Chief with dog Blaze

Meet Blaze!

Blaze is the canine companion of Fire Chief Judy Thill. Originally from Alabama, he was adopted through a Minn. rescue organization by Chief Thill in September 2021, making his fire department debut at IGH Days just a day later. 

While Blaze may think he is a Dalmatian, a dog breed which is often associated with fire departments, he is actually a Catahoula Leopard mix. But let’s not tell Blaze that, as he enjoys being a traditional fire dog ;) While Dalmatians originally used to live in the fire stations to take care of the horses and run alongside the wagons when fire engines were horse-drawn, their duties, or the duties of any animal in the fire station now, are simply to bring smiles to the faces of the children and boost the morale for the crews. 

When Blaze is not watching over the fire trucks, he enjoys playing with his numerous squeaky toys and balls. 

More about Blaze/Blaze Trivia

  • Occupation: Honorary member/community outreach coordinator
  • Years of service: 1 (as of Sept. 2022)
  • Home state: Alabama 
  • Prized possession: Ball
  • Favorite pastime: Looking out the window at deer and other critters (also playing with his ball)
  • Favorite vacation destination: Couch
  • Best friend: Patches
  • Favorite cause: Fire safety 
  • Favorite color: Red
  • Favorite saying: “Be sure to paws and make sure your family has an emergency plan!
  • Special Talent: Wearing goggles (He loves car rides and has to have his head out the window as much as possible. )
  • Fun Fact: He sleeps in all kinds of different positions, mainly on his back with his head or leg hanging down. He HAS rolled off the couch. His favorite toy is a ball, but second to that are squeaky toys!

Blaze Coloring Sheet

Click the image below to open the coloring sheet. You can download the PDF and print! Remember to share your completed picture with us at Communications@ighmn.gov or on our IGH Fire Facebook Page.

WhiteOutlinedFireDogColorsheet Opens in new window

Blaz Loves to be outsideBlaz and his ball
Blaz Favorite way to sleepBlaz silly face