Jebby’s graduation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday at Canine Companions, 8150 Clarcona Ocoee Road in Orlando, WFTV reports. Huggins’ parents, members of his fire service family, Orlando’s fire chief and Engine 1, his former unit, are expected to attend, according to the station.
Jebby takes its name from the nickname used for Jeff Huggins at the firehouse. WFTV reports that friends and supporters raised $25,000 after Huggins’ death to name and train a Canine Companions puppy in his honor.
Huggins, an Orlando Fire Department lieutenant, died unexpectedly on April 16, 2024, at age 33, according to his Orlando Sentinel obituary. The obituary says he advanced through the department before becoming a lieutenant.
Jebby arrived in Orlando in early 2025 and spent 15 months learning about 30 tasks, WFTV reports. The training included visits to Orlando and Orange County fire stations before Jebby moved into Canine Companions’ hearing-dog program. The station says Jebby is preparing to be placed with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, with the goal of supporting that person’s independence and offering companionship.
