A former homeless dog in Los Angeles County has received a prestigious award for her search-and-rescue efforts following a June earthquake in Venezuela, the Los Angeles County Fire Department announced Friday.
Roma, a 6-year-old black Labrador retriever, and her handler, Derek Morree of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, have been named this year’s recipients of the Pet Hero Award from Helen Woodward Animal Center, an animal welfare nonprofit.
The K-9 spent the first months of her life, living on the streets of Los Angeles before being rescued. When the rescue group’s staff members recognized Roma’s potential, they connected her with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, which trained her as an Urban Search and Rescue canine. These highly trained dogs help locate living or deceased victims after disasters such as earthquakes.
“She’s my girl,” Morree told NBC Los Angeles, adding that he and Roma have been partners for the past five years.
Describing Roma as a sweet but playful ball of energy, the veteran firefighter said becoming a K-9 handler and being paired with her have been the highlights of his career.
“The opportunity to deploy to Venezuela was heavy and often heartbreaking, but I am so grateful to have been able to go there with Roma and do what we were trained to do,” he said.
While searching disaster zones may appear taxing, Morree said the work is Roma’s favorite “game.” When she’s off duty, the Labrador enjoys playing fetch, going for runs and hikes, swimming and playing in the snow.
Roma and Morree were among the Los Angeles County personnel deployed to Venezuela for a 10-day search-and-rescue mission. Alongside other K-9 teams, Roma searched through collapsed structures for survivors, according to the fire department.
“We are incredibly proud of Fire Fighter Morree, Roma, and our ongoing partnership with the Search Dog Foundation,” the department said in a social media post.
Roma and her handler were honored this week at Helen Woodward Animal Center’s annual Remember Me Thursday ceremony for their efforts in Venezuela.