The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s search-and-rescue K-9 has already proven himself a valuable addition to the team, helping to find three people alive in earthquake debris.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s search-and-rescue K-9 has already proven himself a valuable addition to the team, helping to find three people alive in earthquake debris. Joey is employed by the Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, USA-2, Los Angeles County Fire Department, according to the report. Louis Gudiel, trained together for more than five months before passing their certification in September 2025.
Now the young dog is receiving national recognition as a semifinalist in the American Humane Society’s 16th annual Hero Dog Awards, states an online report by abc7. He and his handler, Los Angeles County Fire Capt. The tough training made the duo mission-ready for deployments wherever their skills were required. For Joey, it meant learning to search unstable disaster sites and to detect people who might be buried in the rubble of collapsed structures. His first big overseas deployment came in June, when he and Gudiel went to Venezuela in the wake of a deadly earthquake.
He shows a softer side to the K-9 who has worked in some of the roughest conditions in the world, enjoying playing his ball at the park and spending time with his family. Joey’s work doesn’t stop once the rescue gear is off. The Labrador is now back at his station in Los Angeles, where he provides comfort to firefighters and other first responders. Off the rubble, Joey is much like any other young dog. Now, his rescue work has landed him a spot as a semifinalist for the Hero Dog Awards, drawing national attention to a young Labrador whose nose, training, and determination have already saved lives.