Joining CA-TF8

Professional Public Safety Employees (Firefighters & Police Officers) fill the majority of the positions for Task Force 8. In addition to these personnel, we also have civilian emergency department physicians, structural engineers and professional heavy equipment operators. CA-TF8 utilizes canines from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation and pairs them with full time San Diego County Firefighters.

Membership for the team is highly competitive and only the top individuals are chosen to become part of this organization. The task force opens up membership annually if there are positions available.

If you are a full time firefighter in San Diego County and interested in becoming part of California Task Force 8, contact your zone representative during the New Hire / Re-alignment period. Applications are available online.

If you are a full time firefighter in San Diego County and interested in becoming a Canine Search Specialist, contact your US&R zone representative. This voluntary program is incredibly demanding and strenuous. For more information on the Canine Search Specialist program, visit the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

If you are a licensed Emergency Room Physician or Structural / Civil Engineer and are interested in being part of this unique team, contact the US&R Program Office.