Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Seeks ‘Howling Heroes’ Contest Entries

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Entries are now open for Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation’s fourth annual Howling Heroes contest—a call to find the next official LAFD mascot while raising funds for the department’s canine program and beyond.

Funds raised through the contest support LAFD Foundation, which is the nonprofit arm of LA City Fire Department, established in 2010 to “bridge critical funding gaps for essential tools, equipment and programs.”

“Approximately 97% of the city’s fire budget is allocated toward personnel costs,” according to the LAFD Foundation website, “leaving just 3% to cover all other life-safety costs.”

Entries for the contest—which is “easy and free”—will be accepted through Wednesday, April 24, at 8 p.m. Those who want to enter can visit supportlafd.org to upload a photo of the dog with a brief description of what makes them a hero.

“Friends, family and members of the community can vote an unlimited number of times for their favorite pets,” read a story published by LAFD Foundation. Votes are $1.

A panel of judges, including LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, Lori Greiner of “Shark Tank” and more, will evaluate the top 10 contestants and select the winning dog on Friday, April 26.

“Dogs have several important roles across the department, from the Canine Therapy Program to the Arson Counter-Terrorism Section and Urban Search and Rescue teams,” the story read. “All proceeds from Howling Heroes will benefit these canine programs and others that help our firefighters create more resilient communities.”

This year’s Howling Hero will take over for Sampson El Calafate, the 2023 winner—a therapy dog and sheepadoodle entered by Amy Yee.

“It changed our lives completely,” Yee said of Sampson’s contest win in the story. Some of the events they were able to attend as LAFD’s official mascot included a Chinese New Year parade in Chintatown, LAFD’s Valor Awards at Dodger Stadium, and carnivals and festivals.

“While Sampson loves all the events and crowds, his favorite place to be is at local LAFD fire stations with his favorite firefighters,” according to the story. “Over Halloween, Sampson helped pass out candy at a station.”

Sampson has visited stations as far north as Sunland and as far south as San Pedro with his family, with a goal of one day visiting every LAFD station in the city.

This year’s first-place winner will take home an LAFD gift basket for the owner and winning pup, an opportunity to be featured in a KTLA News segment, recognition on LAFD and LAFD Foundation social media platforms, invitations to appear at LAFD events throughout the year, and a pet portrait photography session by Charlie Nunn Photography and custom framed print.

Second- and third-place winners will also take home an LAFD apparel gift basket.