All in the family: Inspiring generations of canine handlers

Firefighter Jason Jasgur of the Los Angeles Fire Department grew up surrounded by heroes—his uncle was a firefighter/engineer with Running Springs Fire Department in San Bernardino and his dad was a volunteer with Los Angeles County Search and Rescue. Jason was determined to become a first responder himself.

Watching his dad and uncle through the years inspired him to become a firefighter, but there was one hero in particular who inspired him to become a canine handler: his father’s Search Dog Lucky.

Jason has many fond memories of Lucky—a 130-pound Alaskan Malamute trained to find missing persons in large wilderness areas—who was three years old when Jason was born. A bond grew between Jason and Lucky through the years as he helped his dad work on Lucky’s obedience and served as a “victim” with his sister in training simulations. The two also bonded over their shared love of ice cream, which they would enjoy on the back patio after accomplishing a united mission to reach the freezer when no one was looking.

Jason was Lucky’s most important find—when Jason was around four years old, he decided to try his luck as an escape artist. But Lucky was dedicated to his partner-in-mischief and found young Jason, leading him back to the front doorstep, much to his father’s surprise. 

Growing up in a “dog family,” Jason learned what it takes to be a canine handler at a young age and now shares what he learns with his father, as he trains to be a certified FEMA handler with SDF-trained Search Dog Ruffy, whom he was paired with on July 27, 2018.

“It’s been an awesome learning experience going through the Search Dog Foundation,” said Jason, “I’m able to share techniques and lessons with my dad and we continue to bond over our passion for working professionally with dogs to help those in need.”

Jason has expanded his own “pack” too—marrying his high school sweetheart, Melanie, and becoming a father. His son, Jacob, is five years old and is already interested in working with a canine in the future. Jason has found that having Ruffy has brought his family even closer together—both his wife and son are happy to help and reinforce training at every interaction.

“Jacob is constantly asking, ‘Daddy, can we go train Ruffy?’ and begs to hold the leash,” said Jason with a smile. “Jacob’s desire and interest are what make it so much fun.” 

Jason and Melanie have been enjoying every minute with Ruffy in their home, and soon they will be welcoming another addition to their family—a baby girl who was born in December. 

Just as Lucky anticipated Jason’s arrival in the 1980’s, Ruffy showed tremendous admiration for Jason’s daughter while Melanie was carrying their new baby last year. Jason shared that Ruffy would rest his head on Melanie’s belly while she lays on the couch, staring up at her adoringly, seeming to listen to the baby’s heartbeat.

“I’m lucky my Dad [was a handler] because it opened my eyes to the fact that my job doesn’t have to separate me from my family. Instead, I can include them,” said Jason. “It’s exciting for everyone, both Jacob and Melanie. We train together, and Jacob gets to be involved.” 

In Phoenix, Arizona on March 3, Ruffy and Jason passed their FEMA Certification, making them officially deployable with California Task Force 1. 

As Jacob aspires to follow in his Dad’s footsteps, wanting to be a canine handler when he grows up, Jason will continue to do what his father did for him—keep him involved and always encourage his interest while taking the time to teach, listen to and support his son. 

“My son’s enthusiasm to participate in this lifestyle and with Ruffy fills me with pride and excitement. I’m sure my father felt the same way with me at such a young age,” Jason shared. “I want him to look back one day and remember the fun times we had together, just as I do with my father.”