Report by Michael Scott
SDF Canine Handler and El Cajon Fire Department Division Chief/Fire Marshal
On December 12, 2004 a section of bluff collapsed at the Torey Pines State Beach. This isn't the first time—several sections of the San Diego coastline are subject to bluff collapse. There have been a few fatalities over the years from people walking too close to the edge when a collapse occurs.
San Diego Fire-Rescue and lifeguards were the first responders. There were no witnesses to the collapse, but there was a pair of shoes within 50 feet of it. It wasn't known whether anybody was missing or in the area when the bluff collapsed.
The event caught the attention of Chief Brewster-Special Operations-USAR. He called the Incident Commander and then immediately contacted me and followed the call with a Mutual Aid request through my dispatch. He made the same request to Chula Vista to get Linda d'Orsi and Cody. Linda was at work and had Cody with her. I was at home and was able to get Billy quickly. At the same time, I found Steve Swaney in San Diego, not too far from the incident. Steve had Sherman with him and I gave him some directions.
Steve was the first to arrive. He checked in with the Incident Commander and was directed to the site. At the site, a lifeguard Lieutenant was in charge of operations. Steve was briefed on the situation and made aware of the safety concerns. The biggest concern was the potential for additional collapse. They did not want to put any people on the pile with the safety concern. Steve decided he felt comfortable letting Sherman do a quick search. The debris was a combination of dirt and large chunks of sandstone and rocks. The area was only about 30 x 100. Sherman searched it several times but expressed no interest (no victims there).
A short time later Linda and I arrived. We met with Steve and the operations person and decided to go ahead and give it a quick search. Cody and Billy covered the area quickly with no interest. (Not too long after we completed our search, a cadaver dog from the Sheriff's department arrived, and also searched but found nothing.)
The area was easily covered by our dogs. The ability for our dogs to go where we cannot was key. We did not have to search the area long—we have confidence in their ability.
We learned how important it is to have advocates in the local first responders. They will request the canine teams when disasters occur. Make sure they know how to contact you. It was also another lesson in the value of having all your gear ready, and your dog close at hand. You never know when the request will come, and speed is critical.