Callie, only search-and-rescue K-9 in the DOD, retires from Kentucky Air Guard

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A member of the Kentucky Air National Guard recently got a well-deserved retirement ceremony.

K-9 Callie was honored at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville in January. She was the only certified search-and-rescue dog in the Department of Defense. Callie worked with Master Sergeant Rudy Parsons, a pararescueman assigned to the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron.

Callie served in six real-world deployments searching for survivors in the aftermath of floods, a collapsed coal mine and demolished buildings. The Dutch shepherd also helped search for survivors in the collapsed candle factory following the Mayfield, Kentucky, tornado in 2021.

"Her entire underbelly and paws were just ripped to shreds, and she was still working," Parsons told the KYANG public affairs officer. "I was really impressed with her character. It didn’t matter what was going on with her — she was always doing the job."

Over the course of a six-year career with the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, Callie completed 15 military free-fall jumps and numerous rappelling or fast-rope missions while logging 750 flight hours in military aircraft. She also suffered multiple puncture wounds, a corneal abrasion, at least two knee injuries and a rattlesnake bite that nearly killed her. She earned a Meritorious Service Medal for her efforts.

Master Sgt. Parsons is also leaving his post as a pararescueman after 11 year to take a position as a career field functional manager at the Air National Guard Readiness Center in Maryland. Callie retires with hope of having more play time with Parsons.

2.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in central Kentucky early Sunday

Stellar Snacks employees complain of 'unsafe' conditions in west Louisville factory

School brings graduation to high school senior at Norton Children's Hospital

University of Louisville students witness historic election of American pope in Rome