Honolulu Fire Department's First Accelerant Detection K-9 to Receive Lifetime Medical Care as Project K-9 Hero’s 400th Program Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHITWELL, Tenn. — Project K-9 Hero proudly announces the induction of retired Honolulu Fire Department Accelerant Detection K-9 Daisy-Kukui as its 400th Program Member, marking a significant milestone in the nonprofit organization's mission to provide medical care, rehabilitation, and support for retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs.
An 11-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever, Daisy served as the Honolulu Fire Department's first accelerant detection K-9. Working alongside her handler for four years, she responded to approximately 120 fire scenes, using her highly specialized detection abilities to locate ignitable liquids and assist investigators in determining the causes of suspicious fires.
In addition to her operational work, Daisy became a familiar face throughout the community, participating in school demonstrations, public education events, and appearances with city leaders. Her friendly personality, and her love of belly rubs, made her an outstanding ambassador for the Fire Department.
After retiring with her handler on December 30, 2021, Daisy returned to the Honolulu Fire Department Headquarters six months later, where she continues to brighten the days of firefighters and staff as an unofficial therapy dog.
Now in retirement, Daisy faces ongoing medical challenges, including allergy treatments and a recent emergency surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Like many retired working dogs, the cost of her medical care became the responsibility of her handler after retirement.
Jason Johnson, Founder and CEO of Project K-9 Hero:
“The addition of Daisy-Kukui as our 400th Program Member represents another important milestone in Project K-9 Hero’s commitment to ensuring retired working dogs receive the medical care and support they have earned. We will continue to admit 52 new dogs each year, one new Hero per week, and look forward to reaching our 500th Program Member. We are committed to serving these remarkable K-9 Heroes for years to come.”
Daisy's handler shared his gratitude after learning she had been accepted into the Project K-9 Hero Program.
Michael Carter, Daisy-Kukui’s handler:
“Our future just got brighter with Daisy being accepted as #400. It was a huge relief financially. The stress of constant medical bills is overwhelming, so to get some help with all of this was huge. I’m so grateful for being introduced to Project K-9 Hero and I’m so forever thankful for the love and care they give to people and dogs they’ve never met. It’s so nice how the working dogs bring us all closer together.”
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About Project K-9 Hero
Project K-9 Hero is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. The organization provides assistance with medical expenses, prescription food, and end-of-duty services for nearly 400 Program Members across the United States, with a goal of adding 52 new retired working dogs each year. Its 177-acre facility in Whitwell, Tennessee provides sanctuary to K-9 Heroes in need of rehabilitation and rehoming services, saving them from euthanasia and offering them a second chance at life. Founded in 2016 by Jason Johnson and his partner, K-9 Flash, Project K-9 Hero continues to honor the service and sacrifice of working dogs long after their careers have ended. It is dedicated to protecting those who protected us.
Learn more at www.projectk9hero.org.
Media Contact:
Jason Johnson Founder/CEO of Project K-9 Hero info@projectk9hero.org