Gualeguay Firefighters' K9 Team Honored for Venezuela Earthquake Rescue

The Gualeguay City Council approved a Declaration of Interest recognizing the humanitarian work of the local volunteer fire department’s K9 unit. Volunteer firefighter Gastón Velázquez and his detection dog Roma, together with Osiris López and his search dog Oma, were credited for locating 48 people trapped in the rubble of the Venezuelan earthquake, rescuing five alive—including two children—and identifying 43 fatalities. Their efforts were coordinated with the non‑profit Asociación Civil Escuela Canina de Catástrofe, which organized the international rescue mission.

The council’s resolution highlights the bravery, professionalism and solidarity of the Gualeguay firefighters and their canine partners, presenting the recognition as a model for future disaster‑response initiatives.