Downey police officer injured in training exercise
Cpl. Ed Hano with Downey City Councilmember Blanca Pacheco on March 14, 2017 when he received a proclamation for saving a drowning baby.
DOWNEY – A Downey police officer suffered burn injuries when an explosion occurred during a training exercise in South Gate on Wednesday evening.
The explosion was reported at about 5:45 p.m. at 5612 Imperial Hwy. in South Gate.
Cpl. Ed Hano, a canine officer and 17-year veteran of the Downey Police Department, was transported to a local hospital after the explosion. His canine partner, Dani, was not seriously hurt.
A South Gate canine officer who was also participating in the training was injured and hospitalized as well.
Details on Hano’s injuries were not publicly released, but they are not believed to be life-threatening.
“He’s going to be okay,” said a city official, who asked not to be identified.
Hano was hailed as a hero by the American Red Cross and Downey City Council earlier this year after saving a baby that nearly drowned in a swimming pool.
Details of the explosion were still being investigated Thursday.
"Any time we have officers in any of our police departments suffer any type of injury like this, it takes an emotional toll on everybody," South Gate Police Chief Randy Davis said during a news conference Wednesday night.
Messages of support are being posted online, wishing Hano a quick recovery.
"Our thoughts are with the Downey Police Department and South Gate Police Department during these difficult times," towing company Titan Tow posted on Facebook. "Wishing Cpl. Hano and K9 Dani a speedy and full recovery. Hano and his family will be in our prayers. Stay strong."