🐾 2026 FUR Responders Photo Challenge

Some of Ohio’s most beloved first responders have fur, walk on four legs, and serve alongside the men and women who protect our communities every day. From working K9s 🐕‍🦺 and therapy dogs 💙 to firehouse mascots 🚒, mounted units 🐎, and comfort animals, these partners play a meaningful role in public safety across the state.

The 2026 FUR Responders Photo Challenge is Light Ohio Blue’s way of recognizing and celebrating these incredible animals and the agencies they serve. This challenge highlights the unique bond between first responders and their animal partners while giving the public an opportunity to show their support 🤝.


Scroll below the photos to see the rules and how to enter!

🏆 2026 FUR Responders Winners

The 2026 FUR Responders Photo Challenge was an amazing celebration of Ohio’s first responders and their incredible animal partners 🐕‍🦺🐾💙. With 102 photo entries from agencies across the state 🚓🚒🚑, the contest brought in a huge 41,972 unique votes 🙌❤️ and reached a combined total rating of 208,220.5 ⭐✨. Thank you to every agency that shared their four-legged heroes and to every community member who voted, shared, and showed the love 🗳️📸🎉.

People’s Choice

Category 1

1st Place Legend - Franklin County Sheriffs Office
Legend
Franklin County Sheriffs Office
Votes: 18149

Category 2

1st Place Rosco - Parma Police Department
Rosco
Parma Police Department
Votes: 17773.5
2nd Place Jersey - Belmont County Sheriff's Office
Jersey
Belmont County Sheriff's Office
Votes: 16048.5
3rd Place Ranger - Marion Police Department
Ranger
Marion Police Department
Votes: 11310

Category 3

1st Place Kona - North Canton Police Department
Kona
North Canton Police Department
Votes: 8048
2nd Place Zeela - Pataskala Police Department
Zeela
Pataskala Police Department
Votes: 4802
3rd Place Blue - Springboro Police Department
Blue
Springboro Police Department
Votes: 4407.5

Category 4

2nd Place Maggie - Franklin Police Department
Maggie
Franklin Police Department
Votes: 6950
3rd Place Demeter - City of Franklin Division of Fire & EMS
Demeter
City of Franklin Division of Fire & EMS
Votes: 0

Category 5

1st Place Storm - Put In Bay Police Department
Storm
Put In Bay Police Department
Votes: 5786
2nd Place Vido - Blanchester Police Department
Vido
Blanchester Police Department
Votes: 5245
3rd Place Pitt - Sabina Police Department
Pitt
Sabina Police Department
Votes: 1856.5

Category 6

2nd Place Penny - Central State University Police Department
Penny
Central State University Police Department
Votes: 7945
3rd Place Jack - K9 Frist Responder Crisis Therapy
Jack
K9 Frist Responder Crisis Therapy
Votes: 7061.5