Well, if you're a regular commuter on the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) disembarking at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, you have the pleasure of being greeted by not one, but two smiling faces…and one of them even wags her tail at you!

Su Vodrazka, a Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and her SDF-trained canine partner Hero, a beautiful black lab, welcome passengers as they emerge from the tunnel at the historic train station.

In 2003, the MTA decided to put a dog handler team on the rail line to offer a sense of safety and comfort to passengers using public transportation. They wanted a friendly dog, not one that was bite-trained, so they looked for just the right person to pair with a trained disaster search and rescue canine. When the Sheriff's Department posted the job, Su jumped at the chance to apply and, with her warm, outgoing and winning personality, won out over 61 other applicants! She and her husband already had three German Shepherds at home at the time, but she didn't think twice about bringing another dog into her home or about changing her work assignment.

Hero had come to SDF from local Ojai breeder Liz Harward, who is known to produce excellent labs with high drive. Three SDF volunteers, Miki Klocke, Bo Harper, and Lori Mohr, had purchased Hero from this breeder to donate to our program. Su was paired with Hero in October, 2003 after completing the handler training course. Hero proved to be a handful for Su at first-a bundle of energy who was also a chewer and jumper! With a lot of training, Su has taught Hero to modify her exuberance while she is in "work mode." In March of 2005 Su and Hero achieved Advanced Certification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

On January 26, 2005, Su and Hero were riding the rails when they learned that two Metrolink passenger trains and a Union Pacific freight train were involved in a collision about half a mile south of downtown Glendale. Su and Hero immediately responded and were on the scene within 20 minutes after the accident occurred. They assisted in searching for any surviving passengers who had not previously been located, but no additional persons were found. In addition, Su and Hero were deployed to assist with rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September of 2005.

This friendly team has amassed a devoted following. Shouts of "HERO! HERO! HERO!" ring through the station as commuters spot Su and her special partner waiting for them. Both Su and Hero love interacting with the crowd. Unlike bomb, weapon, or drug-sniffing dogs that are not encouraged to mingle with people, Hero loves to get up close and friendly!

In early July of 2005, Su traveled to Albany, New York for five days to assist SDF's lead trainer Pluis Davern in training four new SDF teams for the state of New York. She says it was a tremendous experience and an excellent opportunity for Hero to demonstrate her skills.

In 2006, Hero was generously sponsored by the nationwide community of court reporters.

Here is what Su has to say about being a disaster search dog handler: "I love my job! For me it's been a great union of law enforcement and community service. I didn't want a patrol dog with fight instinct-a dog that has been trained to bite as part of its work. I wanted a friendly, sociable working dog that could bring a sense of comfort and well being to the community, and be able to save lives when disasters strike. In Hero, I found it all!"

Researched & Written by SDF volunteers Judy Friedman and Sue Driver