The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System’s (LC-CFRS) Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) Aurora has officially retired after serving Loudoun County for over eight years, from April 2015 until October 11, 2023, alongside her handler Deputy Fire Marshal Leif Sundberg. She will be honored for her service during an official proclamation later this year at a Loudoun County Board of Supervisors meeting.
During her years of service, Aurora has provided explosive protection sweeps for United States Presidents, Presidential Candidates, members of Congress, Governors, state and local elected officials, and countless residents and guests of the National Capital Region. She has assisted law enforcement agencies in both Virginia and West Virginia on events related to explosive and firearms crimes. One of Aurora’s greatest pleasures has been as an ambassador for the LC-CFRS, greeting children of all ages at station-sponsored community events. Aurora has reached the end of her career as an EDC and will be greatly missed by the LC-CFRS and the Loudoun community. She will enjoy her retirement continuing to live with her handler, Deputy Fire Marshal Sundberg and his family. “Canine Aurora has been a tremendous asset to the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, and we thank her for her years of service to the Loudoun community,” said Fire Chief Keith Johnson.
While Aurora’s formal career with us has come to an end, we are excited to welcome Canine Luna to the LC-CFRS. Luna is a female black Labrador Retriever that was born on May 18, 2022. She was raised by the Puppies Behind Bars organization prior to her selection by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to be trained as an EDC. “We are excited to welcome Canine Luna to the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System and know that her and her handler, Investigator Ryan Boehret, will work to ensure the safety of the citizens of Loudoun County,” said Chief Fire Marshal Micah Kiger.
On Friday, September 15, 2023, Luna and her handler graduated from the ATF’s Explosives Detection Canine School, along with seven other canines. Luna is now serving the Loudoun community as one of 135 ATF EDC teams nationwide. Luna joins the ranks of many EDC’s that have previously served or are currently serving the LC-CFRS’ Fire Marshal’s Office.
On Tuesday, October 10, EDC Aurora responded to her final emergency callout as she assisted a neighboring jurisdiction with a bomb threat investigation. She worked alongside her LC-CFRS EDC partners Thor and Luna, making history as EDC Aurora’s last emergency response, coupled with EDC Luna’s first emergency response. We thank Canine Aurora for her dedicated service to Loudoun County and look forward to seeing all that Canine Luna will accomplish during her career.
Learn more about our canine team assigned to the LC-CFRS Fire Marshal’s Office on our website.