by Kaelyn Floyd
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) extends a fond farewell to two of our retiring search and rescue canines. Ty, partner of Fire Captain Dennis Dimarzio, and Hunter, partner of Fire Captain Bill Monahan. Both officially retired on January 31, 2018.
Hunter is 15 years old and has worked alongside Captain Monahan for the past 14 years. He was deployed to Haiti, Japan, and to the Chatsworth and Commerce train derailments as well as other county incidents. Hunter made many news and television appearances, and took part in hundreds of demos. Hunter and Captain Monahan have traveled together as representatives of the National Search Dog Foundation as keynote speakers to discuss the importance of disaster search canines.
“We appreciate the support from the Department and the Search Dog Foundation since the beginning years and all the hard work the handlers after us have given to the betterment of the programs and its future — and most importantly. the victims,” said Captain Monahan.
Ty is 11 years old and has been an active member of the team almost seven years. He has been on five deployments and he was certified twice. His very first deployment was a local rescue in East Los Angeles, when a house collapsed. Ty also assisted in several searches for hikers lost or missing in local mountain areas. Most recently, he was deployed to Montecito in response to the devastating mudslides. According to Captain Dimarzio, Ty is an eager canine, always ready to go when someone needs help.
The Department recognizes and appreciates Hunter and Ty for their excellent search and rescue achievements. Without a doubt, these canines have gone above and beyond in providing quality rescue service throughout their careers.
Thank you, Hunter and Ty!