Canine teams deploy ahead of Hurricane Helene

A total of 13 SDF-trained search teams joined the ranks of hundreds of two- and four-legged rescuers from across the country, answering the call for assistance from communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

In a massive response, SDF-trained teams Nick Bartel & Six and Jon Munguia & Clifford (California Task Force 2), Michael Bruce & Cooper and Mike Patterson & Kendri (California Task Force 5), Chad Arberg & Cory and Billy Walkenhorst & Victor (California Task Force 8), Carey Jenkins & Nate and Adam Schaaf & Dodger (Nebraska Task Force 1), Brian Girard & Keila and Brook Rowley & Echo (New York Task Force 2), Kristi Bartlett & Ivan (Virginia Task Force 1), and Karen Meadows & Jax and Brandy Outlaw & Pluto (Virginia Task Force 2) joined their task force teammates as well as members of additional task forces, including:

• Colorado Task Force 1
• Florida Task Force 1
• Florida Task Force 2
• Indiana Task Force 1
• Maryland Task Force 1
• Massachusetts Task Force 1
• Missouri Task Force 1
• New Jersey Task Force 1
• New York Task Force 1
• Ohio Task Force 1
• Oklahoma Task Force 1
• Pennsylvania Task Force 1
• Tennessee Task Force 1
• Texas Task Force 1
• Utah Task Force 1

Helene was the fifth hurricane of the 2024 hurricane season and made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 27, resulting in widespread infrastructure damage, and tragically, loss of life.

In the aftermath of the storm, rescue and recovery crews are now providing aid to affected communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia.

We are deeply grateful for the many rescuers, two- and four-legged alike, who answered the call to help those in need. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this devastating event, and we offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those lost.