Chrach saves lives, earns recognition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer and Senior Airman James Hensley
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  "He has supported U.S. Secret Service missions for the president and vice president, as well as then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton," said Richard Harris, 56th Security Forces Squadron kennel master.

This would be an impressive resume for any Airman, but tack on identifying a couple of improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan and possibly saving the lives of a U.S. Army Special Forces detachment, and there is no question some recognition is in store.

Heroes are defined by their actions, but not limited by their species.

Military working dog Chrach (pronounced "Crash") was recently awarded the 12th Annual Animal Hero Award at Luke Air Force Base for his service to the community and the country.

"Chrach had several finds during his last deployment, but the most prevalent was Jan. 26, 2012," Harris said. "While conducting a joint patrol with the Afghan local police, their team was diverted to an IED explosion involving an Afghan police vehicle."

Upon arriving at the explosion site, Tech. Sgt. Steven Bruner, then 56th SFS MWD handler, began a search of the area for secondary devices in the debris field.

"Chrach alerted handlers to a second IED located only four meters from the initial blast site," Harris said. "It contained 50 pounds of homemade explosives. This discovery prevented any additional loss of life or injury while the recovery of the site was made."

While this discovery saved lives and enabled safe movement for U.S., coalition, host nation and the local population, it is not Chrach's only accomplishment.

"During his deployment, Chrach found 50 blasting caps that could be used to make IEDs, an AK-47 assault rifle and another IED with 40 pounds of homemade explosives and a remote firing device," Harris said.

Upon his return, Bruner was awarded the Bronze Star due mostly to the efforts of his K-9 comrade. Bruner has since had a permanent-change-of-station, giving a new handler the opportunity to work with this canine hero.

"To this day no tool or machine can compare to the overwhelming intellectual and olfactory abilities of a working dog," said Staff Sgt. Scott Emmick, 56th SFS MWD trainer, and Chrach's new partner. "To me Chrach means a great deal. I trust him with my life when called upon to be in dangerous situations due to his training and the flawless tests he has passed in his line of duty."

The safety and security Chrach provides is echoed across the 56th SFS.

"Chrach is the "Big Dog" in the kennels," Harris said. "I would trust him with my life, either finding explosives or if anyone tried to do harm to me."

Military working dogs keep Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors safe, and Chrach has an undeniable record of success in doing just that.

"He's one of the world's greatest dogs," Emmick said. "I couldn't be more grateful to have him as my partner."