Search and rescue dogs from LA County Fire Department honored for their work in Venezuela recovery

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Monday, July 6, 2026 9:56PM
Search and rescue dogs from LA County honored for efforts in Venezuela

Rescue dogs from the Los Angeles County Fire Department are being honored for their tireless work on the ground in Venezuela.

The dogs and handlers, who are now in recovery, went through collapsed structures and debris, searching for survivors.

Video from Venezuela shows the dogs and members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (USA-2) being honored with medals for their work in the recovery efforts.

"Recognition like this reminds us that disaster response is a global effort -- and sometimes the bravest first responders wear a harness instead of a badge," the department wrote in a post on social media.

The death toll in Venezuela has risen to more than 3,535 people, and thousands are still missing since the quakes struck on June 24.

Members of the county fire department are on the ground, helping with search-and-rescue efforts.

Venezuela is now overwhelmed with bodies, and authorities are struggling to collect, identify and preserve them.

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