MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY -- Pablo, a military working dog assigned to Marine Corps Police Department, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, received a prestigious award from the American Kennel Club Humane Fund during a ceremony held in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 12.
The 9-year-old Belgian Malinois is the recipient of the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence for the Uniformed Service K-9 division.
Pablo is a patrol/explosive detection dog certified by the U.S. Air Force and is the partner of MCLB Albany civilian police officer Cpl. Greg Madrid, military working dog handler.
Madrid and Pablo have been working together for more than two years.
“This award goes to show what an asset Pablo really is and I am proud of him,” Madrid said. “I know how amazing he is and I want everyone else to know how smart and what a good dog he is.”
According to the award citation, Pablo has also served the local community as well as the armed forces.
Pablo regularly served on Secret Service details for current and former U.S. presidents and vice presidents and many other current and former dignitaries.
In the past year, he provided protection for President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
On a regular basis, Pablo provided protection for former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, as they attended Sunday morning church service where President Carter teaches Bible study.
Pablo also participated in nearly every career day at the local schools, and many non-profit and charity events in his local community.
Madrid’s wife, Kelli, who nominated Pablo for the 2015 ACE award, said Pablo is very deserving of the award.
“He has kept so many people safe, and brought so much joy to many people's lives,” she said. “He has more than upheld his oath as a police officer.”
According to his handler, Pablo’s military service consists of two tours in Afghanistan where he identified numerous improvised devices, helping save countless lives.
Madrid said he is proud of Pablo’s service to the Marine Corps here and abroad.
“Pablo is more than a man's best friend, he's my partner,” he said. “I consider him equal, if not more senior than me, that's the respect and care I have for him.”
Civilian police officer Lt. Eric Brown, kennel master, MCPD, MCLB Albany, said this recognition further illustrates the excellence Pablo has shown throughout his time as a military working dog.
“I cannot properly articulate what Pablo has meant to this K-9 section,” Brown said. “Pablo is a rare find in a MWD program that is full of exceptional dogs, as evidenced with the AKC service dog award in the uniform division that he recently won.”
Pablo also received $1,000 which is planned to be donated to the local Lee County Animal Shelter.