Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!

In today's episode, we're honored to feature Hans Almaraz, a distinguished law enforcement officer with a career spanning more than three decades. Hans was raised in San Dimas, California, and after high school he worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT).

It was during this time, while working rescues with L.A. County Sheriff Air 5, that he first developed an interest in law enforcement.

Hans's journey with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began in 1990, when he started the academy. Over the years, he worked across LAPD before being selected as a K9 handler in Metro.

• 1990-1991: Probation at Hollywood Division Patrol
• 1991-1993: Foothill Division Patrol
• 1993-1995: Hollywood Division in the Uniform Prostitution Enforcement Detail
• 1995-1997: Hollywood Division Patrol Field Training Officer
• 1997-1998: Metro B Platoon
• 1998-2024: Metro K9

Throughout his career, Hans has received numerous accolades for his bravery and dedication, including:

• 2003 Police Star. Award for an officer involved shooting during a K9 search with a suspect who allegedly attempted to murder a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer.
• 2013 Medal of Valor for an officer-involved shooting at the end of a pursuit that Hans joined in with patrol units. During this pursuit the suspect exited his vehicle with an AK-47 and began to fire at Hans, striking his police vehicle seven times. Suspect was down, but refused to let go of the rifle. Hans deployed his K9 to distract the suspect. Hans moved up with SWAT and took the suspect into custody.
• 2013 National Association of Police Organizations Top Cop award for the above incident.
• 2018 Medal of Valor award for hostage rescue in Long Beach. 
• 2024 National Association of Police Organizations Top Cop for an officer involved shooting in which three K9 handlers were shot.

Hans has been an integral part of over 1,480 K9 suspect searches, with more than 1,400 assists, and locating 455 suspects with his K9 partner. Hans has gained extensive experience working with aviation assets, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the operations he participated in.

Join us as we explore Hans's extraordinary career, his experiences, and the insights he's gained from his years of service. This episode is a testament to the courage and commitment of those who dedicate their lives to public safety.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing and Metro Aviation