Search Teams

Our Search Teams

California Regional Task Force 7 (CA-RTF7) Ventura County

California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1) Los Angeles City

California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) Los Angeles County

California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3) Bay Area

California Task Force 4 (CA-TF4) Oakland

California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) Orange County

California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7) Sacramento

California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8) San Diego

Nebraska Task Force 1 (NE-TF1)

New York Task Force 2 (NY-TF2)

Oklahoma Task Force 1 (OK-TF1)

Tijuana Task Force 1 (TIJ-TF1)

Utah Task Force 1 (UT-TF1)

Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2)

Chip & Eric Ingstad

Chip & Eric Ingstad

 

Team Info

 

Task Force: California Task Force 1
Agency: Los Angeles Fire Department
Level: In training to certify

 

 

Search Dog Info

 

Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier/American Pit Bull Terrier Mix
Sex: Male
Born: September 5, 2023
Recruited from Lancaster Animal Care Center
Recruited by Katie Brennan
Sponsors: The Joel and Dena Gambord Family, Lazin Animal Foundation

 

 

Chip’s journey to the Search Dog Foundation is a true “diamond in the rough” story. Originally found wandering a neighborhood in Lancaster, CA, he was picked up by Animal Control and taken to the local care center. It didn’t take long for savvy shelter volunteers to notice his incredible ball focus and friendly demeanor. After Chip “aced” every test they threw at him, the shelter contacted SDF, and a star was born. From the moment he arrived on campus, this “lovable meatball” with a massive personality and impressive physique turned heads and won hearts. 

 

Chip’s early days with SDF were certainly eventful; his training coincided with the Mountain Fire evacuation, where he treated a temporary home at a Girl Scout camp as one big adventure. Whether he was navigating new environments or mastering the barrel field back on campus, Chip has approached every challenge with infectious energy and a love for life. His transition from a stray to a focused disaster search candidate has been a joy for the entire training staff to witness. 

 

Eric Ingstad sought out a career in the fire service to escape the confines of an office and find a path that was anything but boring. Eric’s entry into the canine world began with a simple desire to take on a new challenge when his agency was looking for volunteers. Though he jokes that he was “young and naive” about just how much work a search dog requires, his dedication to the craft has made him a vital part of the team. 

 

When Eric first met Chip, his impression was immediate: “This one is going to be a handful.” He recognized right away that Chip’s high engine and “big” personality would require a handler who could match his intensity. During their evaluation process, the signs of a perfect match became clear as Eric put in the work to channel Chip’s power into precision. 

 

Chip and Eric were officially paired on April 18, 2026. Today, Eric and Chip are focused on their short-term goal of achieving FEMA certification and getting out into the field. Eric is excited to see Chip’s potential fully realized, with a long-term vision of a healthy, impactful career bringing hope to communities in need. With Chip’s drive and Eric’s steady hand, this team is ready for whatever adventure comes next.