Pedro, heroic military dog, remembered at Buckley Space Force Base

AURORA | Buckley Space Force Base is mourning the loss of a cherished team member, Pedro.

Military Working Dog Pedro died last week, base officials announced in a statement.

Pedro was a patrol and explosive-detection canine whose service with the 460th Security Forces Squadron at Buckley included protecting the installation and supporting high-level federal missions.

“Pedro played a critical role in the security of our installation, safeguarding personnel, resources, and critical facilities, but his service extended far beyond the base,” Staff Sgt. Leilony Rodriguez, 460th Pedro’s handler, trainer and partner said in a statement.

“Whether it was his surprising encounter with an elevator during a Secret Service mission, where he initially hid behind Rodriguez before bravely adapting to the new challenge, or his comfortable demeanor with the veterinarians, Pedro was a dog of character,” officials said.

Pedro was born Nov. 24, 2021 and arrived at Buckley in January 2024. He quickly became a key part of the security forces team. He partnered with Rodriguez, forming what officials described as a highly effective patrol and detection team.

Trained at the 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland in Texas, Pedro excelled in explosive odor recognition and remained focused under pressure, Rodriguez said.

“Technology makes our lives infinitely easier; however, technology still lacks a biological instinct, that gut feeling,” said Maj. Ian Latham, 460th SFS commander. “That is what K-9 teams bring to the fight. The MWDs have incredible senses, and paired with the right handler, they will save lives.”

During his career, Pedro supported operations with the Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service, helping safeguard high-priority personnel, including the president of the United States. His performance earned him the Air and Space Commendation Medal.

Rodriguez said Pedro’s steady presence often helped new handlers gain confidence. She remembered his professionalism in the field and his playful personality off duty as a dog who “loved his chew toy, stole beef jerky when he could and enjoyed baths after making a mess in his kennel.

“What I’ll miss most is his quirky personality and the trust we shared,” she said.

Latham said the base’s MWD section maintains extensive partnerships with local and federal agencies to ensure teams remain prepared for any challenge, a standard Pedro embodied throughout his service.

Base officials described his death as a reminder of the sacrifices military working dogs make in service to the nation.

Pedro “exemplified the highest standards of service,” base officials said, and he leaves a lasting impact on the Air Force’s canine community.