We are very proud of Rudy Valencia for becoming CATF-4’s newest K9 Handler and welcome Topa to our family!Without further ado, we are proud to introduce our newest graduates to the nation (from L to R): Koa & Damon Wirth (NE-TF1 | Lincoln Fire & Rescue), Hopper & Travis Calka (CA-TF2 | Los Angeles County Fire Department), Topa & Rudy Valencia (CA-TF4 | Berkeley Fire Department), Waffles & Eric Gray (CA-TF2 | Santa Barbara County Fire Department), Molly & Steve MacDonald (NE-TF1), and Geno & Sean Quigley (CA-TF2 | Los Angeles County Fire Department)! Please join us in congratulating the newest teams to our roster…We look forward to sharing their career milestones with you!
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our team members. Canine Kino died yesterday while with his handler and friend, Chuck Wong. For those of you who did not have the opportunity to watch Kino work, he was a fabulous Search Canine. Very fast, effective, and excited to work. A true joy to watch, and great demeanor.
Kino was born May 9, 2006. He passed his first CE just before turning three, in May 2009. Kino successfully passed three additional CEs. He was able to deploy and work at multiple deployments and exercises. He and Chuck also were able to demonstrate the amazing skills of our Canine Search Teams to countless groups, classes, and public events.
We find it personally fitting that Kino passed on September 11. I can imagine him now serving the 343 who perished on that day, as well those who have made the ultimate sacrifice since then. Kino can provide them comfort and joy, and demonstrate his superior US&R skills to an audience worthy of his company.
Mahalo nui loa Kino. 💙🇺🇸
From Chief Lipp @oaklandfirefighters @ca_tf4_k9s @oaklandusar4
Rest In Peace... A hero, a partner, friend and family member. My deepest sympathies to you partner and those blessed to have know you.
These K9’s are so important and impressive! RIP Kino
Kino you were such an awesome and amazing dog. Run free boy! My heart goes out to you Chuck. ❤️
Rest easy boy. Thank you for all you’ve done 👌🏻
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. Godspeed Kino.
So sorry for your loss
💔 So sorry to hear this Chuck! Happy I had the pleasure to meet Kino 🐾
So very sorry chuck .....
There’s a good boy! And kudos for fully spelling out “Canine”. It shows extra class and respect.
Rest in Peace Kino. Thank you for your service.
Sorry Chuck. RIP Kino
So sad his passing. I’m sorry. Sounds like a real hero!
Sorry for your loss Chuck
What a great K-9. His handlers not too shabby either. Sorry for your loss Chuck
Oh no! I am so sorry. I remember how I loved seeing Kino appear first at the top of the Southwest Airlines escalator leading the team as they arrived back home. RIP. 😞
Thank you for your service Kino! You are now across the rainbow bridge❤️💙
Sorry to hear, Chuck—thinking of you.
Kino, Om Mani Padme Hum Thank You for your service. ❤️☮️❤️☮️❤️☮️❤️☮️❤️☮️
Rest easy Kino
Mahalo Kino!!
Thank you both
So sorry for your loss Chuck 😢
💙💙💙
❤️🐕🐕
RIP 😞🙏
These pictures highlight Local 55's part in responding with Oakland USAR Task Force 4 to Ground Zero. Oakland and ALCO Firefighters responded two weeks after the towers fell and assisted FDNY. Their stories are incredible and we thank them for their service. #neverforget
#Repost @ca_tf4_k9s 🇺🇸🐕
We will NEVER forget. #neverforget #343 #thinredline #HeroDogsOf911
Today members of @oaklandusar4 in North Carolina began the demobilization process to come home. #FEMA #hurricanedorian #oakland #catf4 #firefighter #USAR @oaklandfirefighters
