| Harold L. Hartford - Active Member |  | Address: Plant City, Florida
Dog(s) :SPORT - 3K04 , TIKI - 7A19 , -
Branch: USAF
Unit(s): 635th SPS (U-Tapao) Thailand
War(s): Vietnam
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 From 1972 to 1973, I served as Canine Handler with my canine partner, TIKI, while at the U-Tapao USAF Base in Thailand. The only major incident during our time there was when a heavily damaged B-52 from Guam crashed north of the base while attempting to land, with only the co-pilot surviving. Biography:
Bio – Military Working Dog Handler and Lifelong Public Servant:
From the moment I could tie a knot in Boy Scouts, march in Young Marines, or radio in at Police Explorer Post 31, I knew I was headed for a life of service. Originally bound for the U.S. Marines in Clearwater, Florida, I was steered instead by family wisdom, brotherly advice, and a best friend with a fresh breakup and a plan—to join the U.S. Air Force as Police Officers using the buddy system. Sounded like a movie script. I signed up.
Basic Training at Lackland AFB made me a Squad Leader overnight (probably because I made the mistake of standing too straight), and Security Police Training turned into a leadership opportunity as the RED ROPE—a kind of glorified cat herder for 64 airmen. But the real turning point came when a Canine Demonstration caught my eye (and heart). I volunteered and was selected for the elite Canine Patrol Dog Handlers Training, where I partnered with a dog named Hitler (yes, that name made introductions awkward).
From there, I PCS’d to Korea with my next four-legged partner, Yipp—a seasoned pro who taught me more than a few tricks. My service took me to Japan, then Vietnam, and finally Thailand, where I worked midnights with a dog named Tikki after Sport (my previous partner) decided I looked more like a chew toy than a teammate. I ended up in the hospital but came back wagging, so to speak.
After meeting Bob Hope on tour (no big deal), I returned stateside, wrapped up my service as a Kennel Master in Guam, and took on the challenge of administering meds to dogs with 43 teeth and no bedside manners. (Bologna was my go-to bribe—and even then, I nearly lost a few fingers.)
Post-military, I served as a City Police Officer, Park Ranger, VA Hospital Police Officer, and eventually joined the U.S. Customs Service. Over a 35-year federal law enforcement career, I worked as a Detector Dog Handler, Vessel Commander, Customs Inspector, Criminal Investigator, and member of the Contraband Enforcement Team. I retired in 2007—but only from the job, not from the mission.
Whether it was patrolling perimeters with a canine at my side, inspecting vessels, or mentoring younger officers, I’ve always believed in stepping up, serving well, and staying humble—ideally with a little humor and maybe a tail wag or two
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