Team Info
Task Force: Oklahoma Task Force 1
Agency: Tulsa Fire Department
Level: In training to certify
Search Dog Info
Breed: Labrador Retriever/Flat-Coated Retriever Mix
Sex: Female
Born: May 6, 2022
Recruited from a private donor
Recruited by Trevor Lawrence
Sponsors: William Bloom, Lynn Ann Casey, Calleen Pardinas
Austin Addington became a firefighter to utilize his problem-solving skills and assist people during emergencies. His interest in canine handling was sparked after witnessing canine teams during a Hurricane Helene deployment and noting his team’s need for new handlers. He learned about SDF through his canine coordinator on that deployment.
Austin’s first impression of canine Raya was that she reminded him of his family’s past hunting dogs—smart, high-drive, and affectionate. He felt a connection with Raya the first time they played, sensing she was the right match.
Austin’s short-term goal for their team is to achieve certification by December. Long-term, Austin aims to keep Raya healthy and ensure they are always over-prepared for any deployment.
Raya was raised since she was a puppy by single mother in Utah. When Raya’s owner started a private child daycare business, it did not take long for her to realize that balancing a small business, her kids, and Raya’s high energy was too challenging. In Raya’s best interest, her owner placed her for adoption in a local paper, hoping to find a good match that could provide Raya with all the love and attention she deserves. Utah-based canine recruiter Trevor Lawrence noticed the ad and reached out. Trevor said he knew he had found a strong SDF prospect after engaging in a quick fetch game with Raya. Raya hopped on the Four-Legged Kids Bus and arrived at the NTC, ready to meet her new people!
Raya is a sweetheart whose personality shines in every interaction. We love to see her come bouncing out of her kennel, lively with anticipation for whatever is next. Raya especially loves her search work on large barrel fields and has a strong bark alert. When we reset for another search, she spits her toy out and starts barking immediately; she can’t wait for another round!
Raya is a confident girl who searches like she’s invincible and always finds her victim! She graduated search training and was officially paired with Austin Addington of Oklahoma Task Force 1 on July 19, 2025.