By Pilar Hemry
In the heart of Prescott Valley, an extraordinary tribute unfolds every year during Patriot Week. The Healing Field of Northern Arizona, a solemn & breathtaking display of 3,000 flags stands as a powerful reminder, for each flag represents a life lost on that fateful day of September 11, 2001. One of these flags, added just last year, represents not just a hero, but all the Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs who played crucial roles during the 9/11 tragedy. This flag is dedicated to Sirius—a Port Authority K-9 officer—whose story is one of many that embodies bravery and loyalty.
Sirius (pronounced Seer-us ) was not just any dog: he was the cherished partner of Port Authority Officer David Lim. Together they made daily rounds, ensuring the safety and security of the World Trade Center. Their bond was unbreakable, and Sirius was not only a working dog but a beloved family member who went home each night with David. However, on the morning of September 11, 2001, their routine was shattered.
As the North Tower was struck by a plane, David placed Sirius in his crate in the South Tower, reassuring him with the words, “I’ll be back for you, Sirius.” With that, David rushed to assist in the rescue efforts.
Tragically, both towers collapsed, and Sirius did not survive. Yet, his story—beautifully captured in a book written from his perspective—lives on. Sirius tells how he walked the grounds, but no one could see or hear him, and the narrative describes how David returned and found Sirius, draping him in a flag and carrying him out with honor.
Visitors to the Healing Field will find Sirius’s flag and a special water bowl and leash—poignant symbols representing all the SAR dogs who served during 9/11—located near the information booth. Each of the 3,000 flags at the field bears a tag with the name and a short biography of a person lost that day. First responders and military personnel are further honored with boots and a second tag denoting their service branch.
The Healing Field of Northern Arizona will be held during Patriot Week, September 6-14, at the Prescott Valley Civic Center, 7501 E. Skoog Blvd. The Field of Flags is open 24/7, and the information booth operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you visit in the daylight, we encourage you to visit at night for a completely different experience.
Everyone is welcome to walk amongst the flags, read the bio tags, Salute, pray, or pay tribute for each person represented by one of these American flags. Count each pair of boots, whether they be for firefighters, police, or military. Find each of the eight teddy bears on the flags in memory of the children who perished on the airplanes.
SAR dogs like Sirius are vital in emergency situations. Their training enables them to locate survivors in debris, navigate dangerous environments, and provide comfort to those in distress. These dogs work tirelessly alongside their human partners, demonstrating unwavering dedication and bravery. Their contributions during 9/11 were invaluable, saving lives and offering hope amid chaos.
The Vital Role of SAR Dogs
SAR dogs are specially trained canines who play a critical role in locating and saving people during emergencies and disasters. These dogs possess unique abilities and skills that make them indispensable in search and rescue operations.
Training and Skills
SAR dogs undergo rigorous training to develop their skills. They are trained to detect human scent, which allows them to locate individuals trapped under rubble, lost in wilderness areas, or buried under snow. The training process often begins when the dogs are puppies and includes:
Obedience Training: Ensuring the dogs follow commands reliably.
Scent Detection: Teaching the dogs to recognize and follow human scent.
Agility Training: Preparing the dogs to navigate through difficult terrain and obstacles.
Search Techniques: Training the dogs to conduct area searches, track individuals, and perform specific tasks, such as water rescues or avalanche searches.
Types of SAR Dogs
There are several types of SAR dogs, each trained for specific types of missions:
Trailing Dogs: These dogs follow the scent trail left by a person on the ground and are useful for locating missing individuals in forests, urban areas, and other environments.
Air-Scent Dogs: These dogs use airborne human scent to locate individuals and are particularly effective in open areas where the scent can travel over long distances.
Cadaver Dogs: These dogs are trained to detect the scent of deceased humans, used in recovery operations to locate bodies.
Water-Rescue Dogs: These dogs specialize in locating and rescuing individuals in water and are often part of lifeguard and water rescue teams.
Avalanche Dogs: These dogs are trained to find people buried under snow and are crucial in avalanche rescue operations.
The Importance of SAR Dogs
SAR dogs have saved countless lives by quickly locating individuals in distress. Their keen sense of smell allows them to cover large areas more efficiently than human searchers, significantly increasing the chances of finding survivors. Some of the key benefits of these dogs can include:
Speed: SAR dogs can rapidly search large areas, reducing the time it takes to locate missing individuals.
Accuracy: These dogs have an extraordinary ability to pinpoint the exact location of a person, even in challenging conditions.
Versatility: SAR dogs can operate in various environments, including urban settings, forests, mountains, and water bodies.
Other Notable SAR Dogs
Many search and rescue dogs have become heroes for their extraordinary efforts. Besides Sirius, other notable SAR dogs include:
Bretagne (August 25, 1999 to June 6, 2016): A Golden Retriever who served at Ground Zero after 9/11 and was one of the last known surviving search dog from the disaster.
Frida (April 12, 2009 to November 15, 2022): A Labrador Retriever from Mexico who helped locate victims after earthquakes and other disasters.
Jake (was 11 or 12 years old when he died on July 25, 2007): A Black Labrador who assisted in the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
The relationship & incredible bond between SAR dogs and their handlers is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Handlers spend years training and working with their dogs, developing a deep bond that is crucial for successful search and rescue missions. This partnership is vital, as the handlers rely on their dogs’ instincts and abilities to find and save lives.
In honoring Sirius and all SAR dogs at the Healing Field, we recognize their bravery, dedication, and the invaluable role they play in disaster response. Their stories of heroism remind us of the profound impact these animals have on our lives and the importance of their contributions in times of crisis.
In September 2012, Mary Mallory (formerly a Prescott Valley Town Councilmember and now our Yavapai County Supervisor District 5) spearheaded the effort to bring a Healing Field of flags to Prescott Valley. That year 1,200 flags flew at the Civic Center grounds. The community rallied behind the effort and in September 2013, 3,000 flags commemorated the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
We invite you to visit the Healing Field. Immerse yourself in the stories of heroism and pay your respects to those who perished. Be sure to ask about Sirius’ flag and reflect on the courage of all the SAR dogs who served.
If you’d like to volunteer and be part of this meaningful event, please email Pilar Hemry at healingfieldpv@gmail.com or visit HealingFieldPV.com to learn more about the history of this special event & more.
