Search Teams

Our Search Teams

Baja California Task Force 3 (BC-TF3)

California Regional Task Force 7 (CA-RTF7) Ventura County

California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1) Los Angeles City

California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) Los Angeles County

California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3) Bay Area

California Task Force 4 (CA-TF4) Oakland

California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) Orange County

California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7) Sacramento

California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8) San Diego

Nebraska Task Force 1 (NE-TF1)

New York Task Force 2 (NY-TF2)

Oklahoma Task Force 1 (OK-TF1)

Utah Task Force 1 (UT-TF1)

Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2)

Batman & Justin Ensor

Batman & Justin Ensor

 

Team Info

 

Task Force: California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7)
Agency: Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District
Level: In training to certify

 

 

Search Dog Info

 

Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier Mix
Sex: Male
Born: February 16, 2023
Recruited from Thrive Animal Rescue
Sponsors: Theresa McConville, Calleen Pardinas

 

 

Justin was drawn to the fire service because of his wish to be able to help people while embracing a dynamic and ever-changing work environment. He learned about SDF from a canine handler he works with, and becoming a canine handler himself appealed to him because he liked the idea of having a constant, dedicated partner, both at work and home. Further, transitioning from military service to becoming a canine handler offered a unique opportunity to continue deploying and directly helping people within the United States. 

 

Justin says his initial impression of his new canine partner, Batman, was respect for his intelligence and analytical nature, which is evident in his constant head tilts. It also became clear that he forms strong bonds with specific individuals. By Justin’s second visit, he noticed a significant shift in Batman’s behavior. Batman began to stay by Justin’s side rather than consistently gravitate towards his trainer. That’s when Justin felt a strong connection and hoped the two would be matched. 

 

Justin says his short-term goal is to certify in the next six months. Looking further ahead, he believes the new sidekicks might help save Gotham City. 

 

Batman came from Thrive Animal Rescue in San Diego, where he was rescued as a puppy. He was quickly adopted, but when his owner’s health deteriorated and she could no longer care for him, Batman was returned to the rescue. The rescue founder shared that when she noticed Batman’s high toy drive and nice temperament, she remembered watching a segment on CBS that featured SDF and thought Batman might be a good fit for our program. She reached out to us right away, and we agreed with her! 

 

Batman truly embodies his name with his bat ears, Batman signal mark on his chest, and his intense way of staring into your soul. He is extremely smart and very thoughtful, cocking his head sideways when spoken to as if trying to understand every word. 

 

Batman quickly progressed through our search program, searching large barrel fields, working through distractions, and extending his alert. With his perfect combination of intelligence and intensity, trainers found Batman a joy to work with and are excited about his future as a search dog! Batman was paired with Justin Ensor of California Task Force 7 on April 5, 2025.