Los Angeles County Fire Department canine teams arrived at LAX on Sunday from Texas, where they served an 18-day deployment assisting with search-and-recovery efforts from this summer’s deadly floods in the Lone Star State.
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone and other officials were there to greet them, before the teams went to the LACoFD Technical Operations Section in Pacoima for equipment drop-off.
“All canine teams and first responders are to be commended for their steadfast commitment in assisting with the search and recovery efforts in central Texas,” Marrone said. “We continue to stand alongside the residents and communities impacted by the devastating flooding and pray for continued strength and resilience.”
Paramedic Jonathan Munguia worked with rescue K-9 Clifford. “We do try to set emotion aside,” Munguia said. “We are there to do the work, a job, and we try to remain professional.”
K-9 Prentiss worked with Fire Captain Celina Serrano until he was stricken with a stomach ailment that required emergency surgery, Serrano said. Prentiss was due to retire in the coming spring but may retire sooner, she said. The surgery was evident with Prentiss’ shaved belly.
The flooding occurred over the July 4 weekend in central Texas and killed at least 135 people, with dozens more missing. The dead included 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls camp in Hunt, Texas.
The California Office of Emergency Services activated the county canine teams on July 8.
Source: NBC Los Angeles