On Thursday, October 10, 2024, County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) urban search and rescue (USAR) K-9 Harper was honored as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Dog of the Year.
This award highlights K-9 Harper’s bravery and dedication as a USAR canine.
Through a partnership between the Humane Society of the Black Hills in South Dakota and the Search Dog Foundation (SDF), Harper was accepted into the SDF program in January 2020, and successfully graduated as a human remains detection canine for LACoFD California Task Force 2 on May 28, 2021. She achieved Federal Emergency Management Agency certification on July 10, 2022, alongside her handler, LACoFD Fire Fighter Paramedic (FFPM) Edward Ruiz.
K-9 Harper was trained by the SDF and has been deployed to several disaster locations, including Hurricane Ian in Florida and the Lahaina wildfire that occurred in Hawaii.
Harper’s work is vital for finding people in disasters and bringing closure to families. Her dedication ensures that no one is left behind in times of crisis, showcasing the importance of rescue dogs in emergency situations.
The LACoFD congratulates K-9 Harper on her remarkable achievement in being selected as the 2024 ASPCA Dog of the Year, with special recognition to her handler, FFPM Ruiz for his leadership, dedication, and teamwork.
