[ad_1]
After nearly three weeks of helping in the aftermath of one of the deadliest inland flood disasters in US history, the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s dog search team has returned home.
The specialized crew landed in LAX early Sunday morning after a 18-day rollout into central Texas after catastrophic flooding devastated multiple communities over the July 4 holiday weekend.
The LA County team was activated by the California Governor’s Office (CAL OES) on July 8 as part of the state’s mutual aid system and joined the elite search crew in Oakland, Sacramento, Menlo Park, Orange and Riverside counties.
Captains Serena Serrano and K9 Prentiss, firefighters Jonathan Munguia and K9 Clifford, and search team manager Fire Michael Devine, representing LA County throughout the operations, working in dangerous situations amid collapsed buildings, fallen trees and swells.
“It was a tough development under some very strict conditions,” said Sheila Kelly Herbelco Grand Sapy in the LA County fire. “Temperatures above 90 degrees and humidity at 90%…through large debris fields. It’s certainly difficult conditions.”
Specialist search teams and dogs will be seen returning home at LAX after nearly three weeks of deployment to Texas. July 2025 (LACOFD) Specialized Search Team and Dogs are heading home at LAX after nearly three weeks of deployment to Texas. July 2025 (LACOFD) Specialized Search Team and Dogs are heading home at LAX after nearly three weeks of deployment to Texas. July 2025 (LACOFD) Specialized Search Team and Dogs are heading home at LAX after nearly three weeks of deployment to Texas. July 2025 (LACOFD) Specialized Search Team and Dogs are heading home at LAX after nearly three weeks of deployment to Texas. July 2025 (LACOFD)
At least 135 people were killed in the devastating flood that struck central Texas over the weekend of July 4th. So the Guadalupe River surged over 26 feet a night, cleaning its homes, RV parks and summer camps. Among the victims were 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a century ago Christian camp for girls.
“It always feels good to be able to help my neighbor,” said firefighter paramedic Jonathan Munguia. “Our community, their community – we want to help each other.”
The mission wasn’t without close calls. During the deployment, K9 Prentiss experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. Captain Serrano rushes him to an emergency surgery after he begins to act strangely drooping. The vet discovered that the stomach was enlarged and twisted. This is a critical situation that requires immediate intervention.
“They did the surgery well,” Serrano said. “But at the time there was the idea that we were coming back without him. It was pretty scary. I’m glad he managed to get it.”
K9 Prentiss is currently recovering and is scheduled to retire next spring.
The dog team returned to Pacoima headquarters on Sunday after unloading equipment in the technical operations section of the department. These specialist teams are trained to deal with the most serious disasters, such as earthquakes, building collapses, and floods.
“Every dog team and first responder should be praised for their immobilizing commitment,” said Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. “We continue to stand with residents and communities affected by the devastating floods and wish them continuous strength and resilience.”
[ad_2]Source link
