Team Info
Task Force: California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1)
Agency: Los Angeles Fire Department
Level: In training to certify
Search Dog Info
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier mix
Sex: Male
Born: August 2, 2021
Recruited from Southern Oregon Humane Society
Sponsors: Marnie, John, and Jesse Cahill, M. Lawrence Lallande and Nicole Lallande, and an anonymous donor
Emmett was picked up as a stray from a shelter that partners with the Southern Oregon Humane Society. Luckily for Emmett, he was transferred to the Humane Society, where they recognized his friendly demeanor and high ball drive and reached out to SDF to see if Emmett would make a good candidate.
Emmett is a beast of a dog; he’s been described as brave as a lion and as strong as a bear! He’s also confident, motivated, and a fast learner, moving through each class of candidates in record time. He loves rubble and quickly progressed to searching diffuse hides, buildings, an airplane, and multiple victim searches. Naturally confident and pushy, Emmett received more training to develop self-control and become a more well-rounded search dog. Emmett has an undeniable presence with his self-assured walk and body-builder stature, but he also has a softer side, eliciting cuddles and playfully bouncing around for butt scratches. Emmett developed into an all-around great partner and companion and graduated search training with flying colors. He was paired with Kristine Priebe of the Los Angeles Fire Department, California Task Force 1, on September 7, 2024.
Growing up with a firefighter mom and a K-9 narcotics officer dad, Kristine was ingrained in helping others and working with dogs from a young age. Her love for Labradors, fostered by her dad’s partners Opal, Buck, and Beau, solidified her desire to become a canine handler.
Joining the LAFD in 2016 fueled her pursuit of this dream. She actively researched opportunities, learning about the Canine Search Teams within California Task Force 1 and their partnership with the Search Dog Foundation. Determined to qualify, she achieved NFPA 1670 compliance, worked at USAR Task Force Station 27, and shadowed experienced dog handlers. She also honed her skills through various trainings and by participating as a victim in drills.
Then, in the past two years, she immersed herself in the world of canine search by observing other handlers while shadowing teams and trainings like MOBIX, Superfit K9, and Swift Water Rescue Technician programs. “I have talked about home life with the canine handlers and travel considerations. In addition, I’ve spent multiple shifts on duty with members of CA-TF1 Canine Search Teams and experienced station life with them. Being paired with a dog from SDF is a great responsibility, and I am ready for the lifestyle and commitment it requires.”
In the SDF Handler Training Program, Kristine’s first impression of Emmett was that he was confident and playful. After working with a few other canine candidates, she recalls how she hoped that Emmett would become her partner, “I’m not going to lie, after my first search with Emmett, I put him back in the van, and he leaned in and gave me a big sloppy lick on the side of my face. I hoped from then on that it would be Emmett!”
Kristine’s future goal for their team is to focus on building a strong foundation. They have a planned road trip where they’ll tackle various search scenarios and refine their teamwork, but Kristine says the ultimate goal is a lifelong partnership. She says, “This is a huge transition, and I’m embracing the lifestyle required to be a handler. Emmett is a special, handsome boy, and I am a lucky gal to go on this journey with him. When the time comes to work, we will be ready!”