The Secretariat of National Defense of Mexico (SEDENA) has paid tribute to Proteo, a search and rescue dog who lost his life while carrying out a rescue operation in Turkey.
Proteo was deployed to Turkey to help with rescue operations following the that struck the country, as well as neighbouring Syria, on Monday 6 February. Working among ruins, Proteo was able to locate two survivors before his death.
In a statement released on 12 February, Sedena said, “The members of the Mexican Army and Air Force deeply regret the loss of our great companion the dog: Proteo. You fulfilled your mission as a member of the Mexican Delegation in the Search and Rescue of our brothers in Turkey. Thank you for your heroic work!”
Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations, Marcelo Ebrard, said, “I regret the death of Proteo, a member of the SEDENA rescue team in Turkey. He raised the name of Mexico and our people high.”
Other dogs deployed with Proteo were present at a roll call to honour their lost companion before they returned to work, trying to locate more survivors and aid the recovery of bodies.