ELK GROVE/GALT, CA (MPG) - The Cosumnes Fire Department proudly announces a historic first: Captain Justin Quarisa and his canine partner, Ruffles, have officially earned national certification as a live find canine search team, a first in the department’s history.

This accomplishment brings a powerful new resource to the Cosumnes Community Services District and strengthens disaster response across the Sacramento region.

Together, Captain Quarisa and Ruffles will deploy with Sacramento Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 7, a FEMA-affiliated team managed by the Sacramento Fire Department that responds to major emergencies across California and the nation. From earthquakes and building collapses to wide-area searches, the addition of a certified canine team brings a valuable and specialized capability to California’s emergency response network.

Captain Quarisa, who has served with Cosumnes Fire since 2004 and has been a member of Task Force 7 for a decade, trained with Ruffles in Southern California through the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF).

The nonprofit rescues high-energy dogs from shelters, trains them to be disaster search dogs, and matches them with firefighters and other first responders across the country, at no cost to their fire departments.

Ruffles, a 2.5-year-old Australian Heeler, was rescued from a shelter in Texas. Staff there recognized her drive and potential, and she was accepted into the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation’s program. It turned out to be a perfect match.

“She’s an amazing dog,” said Captain Quarisa. “She’s focused, driven and always ready to work. From the beginning, she stood out in training and flew through the program. Plus, everyone who meets her loves her.”

 

Ruffles’ addition marks a historic first for the Cosumnes Fire Department, which has earned national certification as a live-find canine search team. 

Now certified, Ruffles is an official member of Cosumnes Fire and even has her own employee ID badge. She and Captain Quarisa train together daily and are ready to respond wherever they’re needed.

“As an all-risk fire agency, we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of our community and region,” said Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez. “This new capability adds depth to our emergency response locally and wherever we’re called to help.”

Captain Quarisa also praised the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation as a nonprofit making a real difference by rescuing dogs and strengthening emergency response in communities across the country.

“They give dogs a second chance and turn them into lifesaving partners,” he said. “Having a certified canine team in our department is rare, and it brings real value to our community.”

With this certification, Cosumnes Fire joins an elite group of agencies nationwide with canine teams trained to locate people trapped in disaster conditions. And while Ruffles may turn heads with her cuteness, she’s all business when it comes to saving lives.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization based in Santa Paula. Its mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by rescuing, recruiting and training dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders. Learn more at searchdogfoundation.org.

Cosumnes Community Services District is an innovative, inclusive and intentional regional leader committed to providing exceptional emergency medical, fire protection, parks and recreation services that exceed expectations and enhance the quality of life for 214,000 south Sacramento County residents. Learn more at CosumnesCSD.gov.