Coast Guard dog recognized for service

Coast Guard K-9 Chief Feco, a 9-year-old Hungarian Vizsla, stationed at Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team San Francisco, was presented the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal on March 9, 2022 in Washington, D.C.

Members of Congress recognized and honored six animal heroes for their accomplishments in both war and peace at the second annual Animals in War and Peace Medal Ceremony.

The ceremony highlights America’s appreciation of the sacrifices and heroism of American animals who served the United States and advances the effort toward the creation of an annual process to nominate animals for the Medal of Bravery and Distinguished Service Medal.

Feco joined the Coast Guard in late 2014 and is stationed at the Marine Safety and Security Team San Francisco K-9 Unit where his main responsibility is explosives detection at the Ports of San Francisco and Oakland.

Feco has participated in 1,467 events. Notable events include:

• Presidential security details for former President Barack Obama
• Judicial and Supreme Court security details
• 2016 Summer Olympic Track & Field Trials
• The National Football League Superbowls L, LII, and LIII
• The National Baseball League World Series
• The National Basketball League Playoffs
• The National Hockey League Stanley Cup
• San Francisco and Los Angeles Fleet Weeks

The Coast Guard has 16 canine explosive detection teams around the country made up of one human handler and one working dog.

© Petty Officer 3rd Class Kimberly Reaves