KHAK’s First Responder Friday Honors Rudy the Crisis Response Canine

Every Friday morning at 6:30 a.m., 98.1 KHAK's Brain & Courtlin pay tribute to an Eastern Iowa first responder during our 'First Responder Friday' segment! The weekly honoree receives a $25 gift card to Wild Hogs Saloon and Eatery in Walford and a $25 gift card to Honor and Respect.

Today's honoree is a first for us on a First Responder Friday! We're honoring not a person, but a DOG! Rudy the Crisis Response Canine was nominated by Kristen Silver! The entry reads:

"K9 Rudy is the Crisis Response Canine for the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. As a Crisis Response K9 (and therapy dog) for the Sheriff's Office, Rudy is a member of our team and even has his own badge - his mission is to serve others, just like the other deputies.

Rudy helps victims of crime, traumatized persons, and even first responders who may struggle with the aftermath of dealing with difficult calls for service. Rudy has stepped in to assist when victims feel that they cannot re-tell their trauma to another person - but they can talk to Rudy. He's there for them to focus on while they talk, which helps our deputies provide support and protection for the victim.

K9 Rudy is endlessly patient, calm, and sweet. He follows commands quickly and is always ready to provide a little cheering up to anyone around him. Rudy has even attended funeral visitations where he provided a therapeutic presence to those in grief.

K9 Rudy's work is never finished, but he loves his job and eagerly attends to those in need. He provides a cheery presence in the office and raises morale wherever he goes! We hope you'll consider K9 Rudy for First Responder Friday to help recognize his service in our community."

Congratulations to K9 Rudy, the hardest working pup in Johnson County!

Our First Responder Friday winners are selected from nominations submitted by you! You can make a nomination below. When including your photo, please keep in mind that any kids in the picture need to be your own. Please let us know if we have parental permission to post the children, otherwise, their faces will be covered when the photo is published on our sites. Thank you for your submissions!