Farmingdale residents John and Vickie Curcio were looking for a home for their ceramic Dalmatian statue. The 2 and one-half foot statue once belonged to John's parents, Josephine and Charlie. Charlie had always wanted a dog and the statue is as far as Josephine would go on the topic. The Curcios inherited the dog, aptly named Charlie, which is believed to be over 40 years old.

"My husband even bought a collar for it," Vickie said.

Now Vickie says it was time for a new home for Charlie.

"I thought a firehouse would be the perfect place for him," she added. "We thought he belonged in the firehouse."

The Curcios donated Charlie to the Farmingdale Fire Department, and the Dalmatian, Santa hat and all, now graces the firehouse's entry vestibule.

"He's standing right in front, so anyone that walks past can see him," Vicki said.