Say hello to Roxie, a search and rescue dog with the LAFD

Meet Roxie, a search and rescue dog with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A006_08261011_C019.mov.10_11_19_07.Still001Say hello to Roxie.

She works at Fire Station No. 4, with her handler Firefighter/Paramedic Cynthia Sato.

Master Interview.mov.09_44_55_01.Still001This is Cynthia Sato, who in addition to being a firefighter/paramedic and dog handler also works as a dispatcher.


Roxie is from Sacramento, where she was found as a stray chasing chickens.

A006_08261014_C022.mov.10_14_39_09.Still001Roxie and Sato

She was turned into the ASPCA. LAFD recruiters brought Roxie in from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

RoxieRoxie


LAFD search dogs undergo 800 hours of training to become certified.

Sato and Roxie during FEMA practice in 2015 (Courtesy photo)Sato and Roxie during FEMA practice in 2015 (Courtesy photo)

Live human scent search and rescue canines are capable of doing the work of 50 first responders.

Roxie on top of a practice ladderRoxie on top of a practice ladder

That means Roxie is trained to find live humans in rubble piles and in buildings post-disasters.

Roxie during a wide-area search practice at Universal Studios (Courtesy photo)Roxie during a wide-area search practice at Universal Studios (Courtesy photo)


Not that her training is done – she continues to practice with Sato! Watch Roxie in action below:

Interested in more information about the LAFD? Visit joinlafd.org!