Tank — Emerging Hero and Shelter

North Collier Fire Department needed a new way to reach children during the Covid pandemic when school visits were off-limits. Thus, the animated series “Frank & Tank” was born, featuring Firefighter Frank and his K9 sidekick, Tank.

The series covers various fire safety topics and virtual tours of fire stations and as it gained popularity, the team dreamt of finding a real-life Tank who resembled their animated character. One day, an officer found a photo of a 4-week-old puppy at a shelter and knew instantly he was the one.

Once adopted, Tank began his duties at North Collier Fire just a day after his arrival, on 9/11/21. His gentle demeanor and playful spirit quickly made him a beloved fixture in the community, from greeting first responders during Hurricane Ian to bringing joy and calm to firefighters. Tank has since visited over 1,000 children, participated in more than 50 events, and earned several certifications. His impact on the community has been profound, making him a true hero in every sense.