The newest member of Johnson County Fire District No. 2 has been fawned over and called “beautiful” and “gorgeous” by the district’s firefighters since her arrival last month.

Maybe that’s why her tail won’t stop wagging.

Noel, a 4-year-old female Dalmatian, joined the fire district on Dec. 19 after being adopted by Fire Chief Jeff Johnson. As JCFD No. 2’s newest member, she will make her home at either the Spring Hill or Stilwell fire station. As early as this fall, Noel will also be making the rounds in the community as she meets many of the district’s residents.

The adoration of Noel started as soon as she arrived at Station No. 1 in Stilwell, as firefighters gathered to play with their new companion. Capt. John Sholey was wowed from the moment he first saw her.

“What a beautiful animal,” he said. “Man, she’s gorgeous.”

Noel made her way to Johnson County from Fayetteville, Ark., where she was found in early December. The trained and well-cared-for dog was taken to Fayetteville Animal Shelter, where the staff waited for her owner to come and claim her. But no one ever did.

Shelter officials eventually sent out an e-mail looking for a new home for Noel, an e-mail Johnson’s wife heard about. The fire chief, who owned a Dalmatian himself, had considered the idea of getting a dog for the department before, Sholey said. Johnson discussed the possibility with senior fire officials, who then talked to the firefighters and other staff, and made the decision to pursue Noel. Just 10 days later, she was roaming outside the Stilwell station, pulling Sholey along as she got her first sniffs of Kansas.

Fire officials have high hopes for Noel and the role she can play in the district. Sholey said she may eventually make school visits, nursing home stops and appearances at community events, as well as participate in fire education programs. He also said he thinks Noel will be a great companion to the firefighters, an escape from the pressures and stresses that come along with the job.

“There’s something to having a dog come up to you at 3 in the morning and just being there,” Sholey said.

Noel won’t be rushed into her new roles, the captain said, despite the district’s tentative plans. She will be given time to adjust to her new home, lifestyle and companions. During that time, Sholey and other fire officials will be testing and monitoring her to make sure she has the right temperament and skills to be around children and attend community events. Assuming all goes well, Noel still won’t make any appearances until at least August, Sholey said.

Community members can call Sholey to arrange to meet Noel, however, if they can’t wait until next fall. In the meantime, district officials think she’ll get plenty of attention from the firefighters.

Capt. Mike Lincoln was among those doting on Noel that first day. Lincoln said he has worked at other departments which had dogs and he was excited by JCFD No. 2’s newest member.

“I think it’s great,” Lincoln said. “She’ll be spoiled rotten in no time.”

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