Default Cutline BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Haus, a military working dog from the 10th Security Forces Squadron, waits in his kennel June 27, 2012. Haus is one of eight military working dogs recently evacuated from the U.S. Air Force Academy due to the Waldo Canyon Fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk)

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BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- From right, Oli, Haus and Boda, military working dogs from the U.S. Air Force Academy, sit in their kennels June 27, 2012. The military working dog unit was relocated to Buckley due to a local fire threatening the U.S. Air Force Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk)

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BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Nicole Jenson, 10th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, comforts Cindy, a MWD, June 27, 2012. The U.S. Air Force Academy military working dog unit was relocated yesterday due to smoke and possible fire damage caused by the Waldo Canyon Fire. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk)

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Buckley lodges Air Force Academy military working dogs

Published June 27, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Phillip Houk
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Eight military working dogs and two handlers were given orders to evacuate the Air Force Academy June 26, 2012 and were relocated here, where their dogs are currently being provided shelter.

Staff Sgt. Timothy Bailey, 10th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, said, "due to their sensitivity, the primary mission was to get the dogs out due to the smoke and possible fire."

As evacuation plans were being established, Tech. Sgt. Justin Baker, 460th SFS kennel master, reached out and began making arrangements for their fellow dog handlers to come here.

"I started calling the chain of command and got their full support. We were just helping out the academy," Baker said "it's what we do."

Evacuation began yesterday afternoon and progressed without issue. Within two hours of arrival, the dogs were housed and their handlers were placed in the dormitories.

"It all went very smoothly," said Bailey. "We are very thankful that Buckley was able to set us up, because we were not sure what to do next."

In addition to housing military working dogs, Buckley has provided the Air Force Academy a fire truck to assist in structural fires as needed.

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