Explosive detection dog Florence, or 'Flo Joe' as she was affectionately known, was honoured at the Australian War Memorial on February 24 with the Animal Distinguished Service Award.

Flo Joe was selected for the award – which recognises exceptional service by animals on operations – for her service in Afghanistan, where she completed four deployments between 2007 and 2012, spending more than half of her service in a warlike environment.

She achieved the highest number of finds within her dog section during one rotation and was the first Australian explosive detection dog to locate an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Ian Moss, explosive detection dog trade manager at the School of Military Engineering, said it was important to formally honour the contributions of working dogs.

“It’s nice to see our four-legged members receiving recognition,” Sergeant Moss said.

“She was incredibly reliable, even on challenging days. If there was something out there, she’d find it.”

Following her retirement, Flo Jo was adopted by the North Queensland Sappers and Thuringowa RSL, where she became the organisation’s mascot and first non-human member.

Flo Jo died in 2014 after contracting blood cancer.

The sub-branch later compiled and submitted the nomination for her operational service in Afghanistan, to recognise her contribution at a national level.

Sergeant Moss said explosive detection dogs played a critical role in combat teams.

“They mitigate explosive threats, help bring people home safely and contribute just as much as any other trade,” he said.

“This award is about acknowledging Florence’s service.”