IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

'Chicago Fire' to feature Smokey, top dog in TODAY contest

Smokey, the firehouse dog that beat out the rest of the pack for a chance to appear on an episode of "Chicago Fire," is set to make her cameo on the NBC series Tuesday night.The 4-year-old Labrador retriever from Jacksonville, Ill., won a nationwide competition on TODAY.com in October. Along with her handler, Lt. Todd Warrick, the grand prize included a brief spot on the show as well as a visit to
Image: Todd Warrick, Smokey, Jesse Spencer
NBC

Smokey, the firehouse dog that beat out the rest of the pack for a chance to appear on an episode of "Chicago Fire," is set to make her cameo on the NBC series Tuesday night.

The 4-year-old Labrador retriever from Jacksonville, Ill., won a nationwide competition on TODAY.com in October. Along with her handler, Lt. Todd Warrick, the grand prize included a brief spot on the show as well as a visit to the "Chicago Fire" set. The cameo was filmed on April 1.

Image: Todd Warrick, Smokey, Jesse Spencer
Lt. Todd Warrick, left, and Smokey the firehouse dog pose with actor Jesse Spencer from the NBC show \"Chicago Fire.\"Today

Smokey received the star treatment as she was transported to the set via limousine where she received a winner's basket, recognition plaque and a director's chair with her name on it.

Image: Todd Warrick, Smokey, Taylor Kinney
Lt. Todd Warrick, left, and his dog Smokey on the set of \"Chicago Fire\" with actor Taylor Kinney.Elizabeth Morris / Today

More than 100 dogs entered the TODAY contest, and Smokey's 68,000 votes beat out two other finalists — Dempsey, a 2½ year-old Boxer/Mastiff mix from Indianapolis, and Wilshire,a Dalmatian from Los Angeles.

Smokey was rescued from a burning home when she was a 6-month-old puppy. She now serves as a training tool for school children and the community, teaching safety techniques such as Stop, Drop and Roll.

"Chicago Fire" airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC.