At All Times, Service Above Self

Beloved Search Dog 'Bella' Dies at 14 LAFD Insight . . . in every sense of the word, a 'wonder dog' by Brian Humphrey LAFD Spokesman Dear Friend of the LAFD: It is with a heavy heart that we share word that Bella, the 14-year- old Border Collie nicknamed "the wonder dog' - who proudly responded with her LAFD handler Deresa Teller on scores of high profile search and rescue assignments, has died from natural causes in Los Angeles. Possibly the most renowned search canine in our nation's history, Bella was deployed with to the Oklahoma City bombing, World Trade Center attacks and countless other official assignments. Bella remains one of the few canines to have attained certification in wilderness search, disaster rescue and cadaver recovery. She was in every sense of the word, a 'wonder dog'.

In our country's darkest hours, Bella shouldered the hopes of a nation. Our profound sense of loss is therefore only lessened in knowing that her grandson Ranger and other descendents are today exhibiting the same prowess that made Bella the nation's preeminent search and rescue canine.

Bella is credited with helping rescuers locate the remains of four victims after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

In August 2001, she helped Ventura County authorities locate the body of long-missing murder victim Megan Barroso in a rugged ravine near Simi Valley.

Bella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in her right foreleg in 2001. Once word spread that costly radiation treatments could not be municipally funded - or afforded by heartbroken Teller, a groundswell of community support allowed Bella's necessary treatment, cure and return to readiness.

Bella was medically cleared for her return to active 'disaster response' duty on a bright and cheerful Monday morning, September 10, 2001.

Little did Firefighter/ Paramedic Teller know that less than 24 hours later, she and Bella would be aboard a military cargo jet headed for New York , where they helped find approximately 20 victims of the terrorist attacks.

I'll be writing again soon to share a brief note from Deresa, who is both a neighbor and one my dearest friends. Those who wish to send a note of condolence or inspiration, can write to:

In closing, I am honored to share a photo of Bella and me, following her return from the Oklahoma City bombing:

Farewell sweet Bella, from one of many who will dearly miss you.

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey

Firefighter/ Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
E-Mail: beh9593@lafd.lacity.org

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