Jason Johnson named among IAOTP’s Top 50 Fearless Leaders

IAOTP selected Jason Johnson for its Top 50 Fearless Leaders list and will honor him at its annual awards gala in New York City in December 2026. The recognition spotlights Johnson’s work leading Project K-9 Hero and his broader career in military, law enforcement and K-9 service.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s recognition puts a national spotlight on Jason Johnson’s work with retired police and military working dogs. - The honor also recognizes a career that spans military service, law enforcement, nonprofit leadership and K-9 operations. - The award highlights Project K-9 Hero’s mission to expand care and dignity for retired working dogs after service ends.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Jason Johnson as one of its Top 50 Fearless Leaders. - IAOTP will honor Johnson at its Annual Awards Gala in December 2026 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Johnson will also be recognized for selection as Top CEO and Advocate for K-9 Heroes. - IAOTP said Volume 6 of its Top 50 Fearless Leaders publication will be released in 2027. - IAOTP included a link to its gala page in the announcement: Award gala details.

The details: - Johnson is founder and CEO of Project K-9 Hero. - Project K-9 Hero provides 100 percent medical coverage for accepted program members, including office visits, surgeries, prescription medication, rehabilitation, medical equipment and specialized prescription food. - When a K-9 reaches End of Watch, Project K-9 Hero provides end-of-duty services and a custom memorial portrait for the handler. - The organization operates a 177-acre Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility for retired K-9s with nowhere else to go, including dogs that may face euthanasia or whose owners can no longer meet their needs. - Johnson also serves as CEO of HaloLights, LLC, where he oversees the Canine Health Analytics Monitoring Platform, or C.H.A.M.P. - Johnson is CEO of BlackBird Armament. - Johnson is board president of the Global Working Dog Consortium, a Service Animal Advisory Committee member with the National Service Animal Monument Organization, chairman and partner at Blue Star Valor, and CEO of K-9 Solutions International, Inc. - Before founding Project K-9 Hero, Johnson served as a Field Canine Coordinator for the Department of Homeland Security. - Johnson previously worked as a K-9 trainer, instructor and course developer for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. - Johnson also served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Explosives Detection K-9 Handler, Trainer, Kennel Master and Protective Security Specialist for the U.S. Department of State. - Earlier in his career, Johnson served as a police officer in Puyallup and Yakima, Washington, and specialized as a K-9 handler, SWAT officer, K-9 trainer and certifying official. - Johnson served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. - Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Security Management from Bellevue University. - Johnson has trained and certified personnel across dozens of federal agencies worldwide. - Johnson worked with the Pentagon’s Military Working Dog program and helped train more than 1,000 dogs before deployment to the Middle East. - Johnson helped develop the ATF’s first Special Response Team Dual-Purpose Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine Program and its off-leash Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 Program. - Johnson is the author of three children’s books, including titles inspired by his K-9 partners Flash and Yoube. - Flash was named Law Enforcement Hero Dog of the Year by American Humane in 2018. - Johnson also served as a master’s course university instructor, a published academic author and an executive producer of television and film projects about the K-9 profession. - Johnson is working with members of Congress on the K-9 Hero Act, legislation aimed at creating lasting changes for the K-9 community. - For more information about Project K-9 Hero, visit Project K-9 Hero. - For more information about IAOTP, visit IAOTP.

Between the lines: - The honor reflects a broader trend of recognition for leaders whose work bridges public service, nonprofit advocacy and operational expertise. - Johnson’s profile combines frontline experience with executive roles, which strengthens the credibility of his advocacy for retired working dogs. - The K-9 Hero Act suggests the recognition is also part of a wider push for policy change, not just public awareness.

What’s next: - IAOTP will formally honor Johnson at its December 2026 gala in New York City. - IAOTP plans to release Volume 6 of its Top 50 Fearless Leaders publication in 2027. - Johnson is expected to continue promoting the K-9 Hero Act and expanding Project K-9 Hero’s reach.

The bottom line: - IAOTP’s selection gives Johnson and Project K-9 Hero another high-profile platform for their message: retired service dogs should be cared for with the same respect they gave in service.