On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) welcomed home its K-9 Human Remains Detection (HRD) teams after a multi-day deployment to Ruidoso, New Mexico to support recovery efforts following the Salt and South Fork wildfires.
- Fire Captain Celina Serrano and K-9 Prentiss
- Fire Fighter Paramedic Nicholas Bartel and K-9 Six
- Fire Fighter Paramedic Edward Ruiz and K-9 Harper
- Fire Fighter Paramedic Jonathan Munguia and K-9 Clifford
Over the course of six days, starting on Friday, June 17, through Wednesday, June 26, 2024, these four highly trained LACoFD K-9 teams were deployed to provide specialized recovery assistance in New Mexico. Throughout their deployment, they worked alongside specialized teams, and successfully cleared over 160 structures, including hotels, which resulted in no further confirmed casualties.
Upon their arrival back in Los Angeles, the four K-9 teams received heartfelt appreciation and gratitude from LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, Deputy Fire Chiefs William Mayfield and Dennis Breshears, and members of the Technical Operations Section at the Los Angeles International Airport and the Section’s headquarters in Pacoima. The K-9 teams are commended for their dedication, hard work, and performance during their time in New Mexico.
The LACoFD takes great pride in joining forces to assist the nationwide disaster recovery operations, as directed by the President of the United States, to enhance and complement the ongoing initiatives led by State, tribal, and local authorities in New Mexico.
