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)

Rufus & Celina Serrano

Rufus & Celina Serrano

 

Team Info

 

Task Force: California Task Force 2
Agency: Los Angeles County Fire Department
Level: In training to certify

 

 

Search Dog Info

 

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Sex: Male
Born: March 30, 2024
Recruited from Hearing Dog Program
Recruited by Katie Brennan
Sponsors: The Joel and Dena Gambord Family

 

 

For Celina Serrano, becoming a first responder was a natural fit, fueled by a desire to help others and a passion for physically demanding, dynamic challenges. While serving her first year of probation as a firefighter, she learned about her department’s search-and-rescue dog program through Captain Andy Olvera and his K9 partner, Stetson. Captivated by the mission and the opportunity to work with animals, Celina set a firm goal: once established as a firefighter, she would pursue a career as a canine handler.  

 

Now a veteran canine search specialist, Celina has deployed numerous times over the years as a member of California Task Force 2, Los Angeles County Fire. With Prentiss nearing retirement, Celina knew she wanted to continue working as a canine search specialist. Having been aware of SDF for years through Captain Olvera, Celina was drawn to their history and purpose and turned to SDF to help find her new partner.  

 

Rufus came to SDF from the Hearing Dog Program/Pawsibilities in Montana. Originally raised as a potential service dog, his high energy and intense toy drive made it clear he was destined for a different, more active career. Recognizing his potential, his puppy raiser—who also raised Search Dog Archie—reached out to SDF. Rufus quickly flew in via our partners at FetchAir to begin his training, where he has been nothing short of a “natural.” Known for his ability to light up every room he enters, this “ray of sunshine” impressed trainers with his incredible performance and rapid progress.  

 

Celina and Rufus were officially paired on April 18, 2026. Celina looks forward to a bright future with Rufus, focusing on his comfort at home and ensuring a successful path to certification to serve the community. She hopes to share another successful, decade-long journey with Rufus, much like she experienced with her previous partner, Prentiss.  

 

We are thrilled for both Rufus and Celina, and can’t wait to see all that this dynamic team will accomplish in their career together.