On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LACoFD’s) California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) urban search and rescue (USAR) canine teams for deployment to Maui in the aftermath of the wildfires that impacted the island last week.
Fire Captain Celina Serrano and K9, Prentiss; Fire Fighter Paramedic Nicholas Bartel and K9, Six; and Fire Fighter Paramedic Edward Ruiz and K9, Harper departed from LAX on August 13, 2023, to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts in Maui. Fire Fighter Jonathan Munguia and K9, Clifford joined the team on August 16, 2023, to offer more support.
“The County of Los Angeles knows all too well the devastation and pain Maui is experiencing right now,” said County of Los Angeles Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Maui. I am grateful to FEMA and California Governor Gavin Newsom for deploying USAR teams, including our LACoFD CA-TF2 USAR canine teams to assist in the recovery efforts.”
“The LACoFD sends our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families who have lost loved ones; to the injured; and to all who have been displaced, lost homes, and businesses due to the wildfires that have ravaged the beautiful island of Maui,” said Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. “We send our Maui ohana strength and our support during this difficult time.”
The deployment is expected to last 10 to 14 days.
