Miami Beach Fire Department Welcomes First Search and Rescue K-9 Team

Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Fire Department welcomes its newest member, the first ever search and rescue K-9 named Salsa! The three-year-old Labrador retriever is partnered with Firefighter Stephany Marcos, who has been with the Miami Beach Fire Department since April 2022.

The pair achieved certification as a Live Find K-9 Search Team earlier this year, which makes them a valued part of Florida Task Force 1, a specialized unit trained for critical search and rescue missions across the state and wherever they are needed.

Currently stationed at Miami Beach Fire Station 2, Salsa is adapting well to station life. Firefighter Marcos has introduced her furry partner to different environments to build resilience and adaptability — important qualities for high-stress search and rescue animals.

"Having a Search and Rescue K-9 like Salsa is an asset to our department," said Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello. "With the combined efforts of Salsa and Firefighter Marcos, we’re more prepared to respond effectively to search and rescue emergencies."

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