Carrie A. Henger-Neff, Captain

Captain Carrie A. Henger-Neff passed away at the age of 54 due to job-related ovarian cancer. Her loss is deeply felt across the firefighting community and by all who had the honor of knowing her.

Carrie joined the department in 1991, bringing with her an uncommon background—she had spent the early part of her career training animals for film and television. But it was her discovery of the vital role service dogs play in search and rescue operations that led her to combine her two greatest passions: firefighting and working with animals.

With determination and vision, Carrie went on to develop the department’s official K9 program, forever shaping how search and rescue missions were approached. Her unique experience allowed her to bridge two worlds, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and compassion.
Carrie was also a trailblazer in uniform. As the first woman to serve in the department’s Honor Guard, she broke barriers with quiet strength and unshakable dedication. Yet, those who knew her best will remember her for more than just her accomplishments—they’ll remember her unwavering love for animals, her pioneering spirit, and her deep commitment to service.

“She found the perfect way to use her two passions,” said her sister, Owen Anderson.

Captain Carrie A. Henger-Neff leaves behind a legacy that lives on in every K9 unit she helped build, every life she touched, and every door she opened for the women who follow in her footsteps.