On Friday, December 13, 2019, two new canine disaster search teams joined the nation’s elite roster of urban search and rescue task forces at the Search Dog Foundation’s (SDF) National Training Center.
These new teams will now train together in preparation for federal certification, which will allow them to deploy with their respective task forces in the wake of disasters such as earthquakes, mudslides, and hurricanes, searching for survivors in the rubble and debris.
The new canine disaster search teams joining our nation’s disaster response network are:
Chad Arberg & Cory (San Diego Fire-Rescue Department/California Task Force 8)
Alex Wallbrett & Hoss (San Diego Fire-Rescue Department/California Task Force 8)
These handlers spent the past two weeks in intensive academy-style training to master the basics of canine handling, as well as more advanced theories on scenting and search strategy. After working with several of the 15 canine candidates currently in training at SDF, the handlers were partnered with their new search dogs in a special “passing of the leash” ceremony Friday morning.
See video of the Search Team Graduation Ceremony here!
The graduation of Hoss and Cory was made even more special with the sharing of Cory’s namesake — originally named Baxter, this spunky Cattle Dog mix was renamed in honor of CAL FIRE firefighter Cory Iverson, who was killed in Ventura County while fighting the devastating Thomas Fire on December 14, 2017. As Search Dog Cory graduated just one day before the two-year anniversary of Cory Iverson’s death, it was a fitting tribute to a hero whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Search Dog Cory now carries his legacy forward, serving his community and country. Even more fortuitous, Search Dog Cory returns home with his new handler to San Diego, Cory Iverson’s hometown as well.
We are so grateful to California Task Force 8 and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for their support of these new teams as they entered the selection process, completed this initial training and as they continue on this journey together to certification and eventual deployment to help others in the aftermath of disasters.
We would also like to thank:
- City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department in New Mexico for rescuing Search Dog Cory.
- Trevor Lawrence for recruiting Search Dog Hoss.
- Walter and Faith Kalback for sponsoring Search Dog Hoss.
See more photos of the graduation ceremony below:
