Canines demonstrate search-and-rescue, detection skills during Fleet Week

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Fleet Week is more than just the Blue Angels and military ships entering the bay. This year, several K-9 units demonstrated how useful they are in search-and-rescue operations as well as bomb and drug detection.

For a few hours, San Francisco's Jefferson Square Park was full of working canines, either in the military or with law enforcement, together as part of Fleet Week.

"They get to know each other. They get to train with one another. And we get to show the public a lot of fun stuff that these dogs can do," Department of Emergency Management's Francis Zamora said.

The event was called "Bark at the Park," and it included the Beagle Brigade, which works with customs and border protection.

A combat tracker dog can track for people for extended distances. Search-and-rescue dogs simulated searching for survivors in earthquake debris. Both are prepared to respond to emergencies all around the world.

"He can go into combat. We've had trackers utilized on base for missing children or people who have gone missing during training. He can be utilized for humanitarian missions," Lcpl. Rafael Fuerteluna said.

Freddie, a chocolate Lab, is a specialized search dog.

Specialized work dogs work off-leash at an extended distance from the handler.

Over 2,500 dogs have worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, searching for improvised explosive devices.

"These dogs take about three months to be trained up and then it's an ongoing process. Every day we work with them," Cpl. Bradley Kosiara said,

One Border Collie works with the SFFD and knows how to climb into collapsed buildings while searching for people.

Also featured are dogs who work with veterans who are trying to get back into civilian life, becoming good friends.

According to the American Humane Society, the work of just one dog ends up saving the lives of at least 150 service men and women.