Los Angeles teams aid Texas flood recovery with canine rescue efforts

In the wake of devastating floods that struck Central Texas, canine rescue teams from the Los Angeles County Fire Department recently returned home after a lengthy deployment. The teams were dispatched on July 8 and worked tirelessly for 18 days, focusing on search and recovery missions for victims. The floods resulted in at least 138 fatalities, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for, further amplifying the urgency of their mission. Among the teams involved were not only those from Los Angeles but also crews from other locations, including Oakland, Sacramento, Menlo Park, Orange County, and Riverside County. Governor Gavin Newsom initiated the deployment, emphasizing the need for extensive resources in response to the overwhelming search demands due to the severe circumstances unfolding in the region. While the canine teams' efforts were commendable, they faced numerous challenges specifically due to the extreme heat and high humidity in Texas, weather conditions that teams from California are not accustomed to managing. Capt. Celina Serrano highlighted the difficulties, mentioning how the heat altered their schedules and how they had to modify the dogs' working hours accordingly. One of the canine responders, Prentiss, required emergency surgery during the operation but is expected to recover fully. After such a grueling assignment, Prentiss will take a two-month break before being assessed for a possible return to the field. This deployment has showcased the dedication and resilience of both the canine units and their human counterparts in the difficult task of assisting in community recovery following natural disasters.