Hero dogs honored with Medal of Courage

Five hero dogs were honored on Wednesday with medals for their military and law enforcement service.

The American Humane Lois Pope K-9 Medal of Courage was presented to five K9s in Washington, D.C., during an awards ceremony that saw members of Congress, media, hill staff, a Marine general, and others come together to show respect for the life-saving work dogs do around the world. The dogs at the ceremony served in the United States Army, Marines, and even the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They've saved lives by uncovering bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as explosives, drugs, and other contraband at America's airports and even providing security for top American officials.

K9s Alphie, Capa, Coffee, and Ranger were each presented with a medal, hung around their necks to great applause, during the ceremony. They all received celebratory pats on the head from audience members as they exited the stage wearing their medal. K9 Gabe was presented a metal posthumously and his handler Charles Shuck accepted it on his behalf.

Explosive Detection Dog Alphie, a 7-year-old black lab, began his career in the Marine Corps where he worked to clear areas of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the heat of battle. Alphie and his handler Lance Cpl. William Herron kept the path clear of explosives during their two tours of duty in some of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. In 2014, Alphie was retired from military service but soon returned to work in the TSA's Canine Explosives Detection Program with handler Lesley Runnels.

Read more at The Washington Free Beacon