Does your pup have what it takes to be the LAFD's K9 mascot?
Your dog could be the next official canine mascot for the greatest fire department in the nation – the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)! Nominating your dog is fun, fast, and easy. Simply submit a photo of your favorite furry friend and let us know why your dog is a hero. The suggested entry donation is $10.
$1 = 1 VOTE
Encourage your family and friends to vote for your dog; each vote only costs $1. Be sure to vote early and often!
A panel of judges (including Fire Chief Kristin Crowley) will evaluate the top 10 vote earners and select the Howling Hero of 2023!
All participation and voting proceeds will support the LAFD Foundation in funding essential equipment and programs, like the LAFD’s breakthrough Canine Therapy Program and the LAFD's Canine Search and Rescue Team.
Prizes
The first place Howling Hero winner will receive:
- Bragging rights and LAFD gift baskets for the owner and the winning pup
- An opportunity to be featured in a KTLA News segment as the new Howling Hero
- Recognition on the LAFD and LAFD Foundation’s social media platforms
- Invitations to appear at select LAFD special events throughout the year
Second and third place winners will also receive a gift basket of LAFD apparel.
The LAFD's Canine Therapy Program
The Canine Therapy Program exists to help alleviate psychological and emotional trauma impacting our firefighters.
First responders face higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety issues related to the volume and severity of tragic incidents they respond to on a daily basis. Research has begun to reveal the devastating impact these types of issues can have on first responders over the course of their careers.
To combat this alarming trend, this program allows the LAFD to use specially trained dogs to help comfort firefighters during crisis situations and make coping with difficult incidents a bit easier. The LAFD’s two therapy dogs, Willow and Jack, visit LAFD stations and critical incidents and have helped improve the mental health of LAFD members.
To learn more about the LAFD’s canine therapy program, please visit https://supportlafd.org/news/k9-therapy.html