Eight SDF-trained canine disaster search teams achieve certification in first weeks of 2020!
Over the last two weekends, canine disaster search teams traveled from all over the country to take their FEMA Certification Evaluations in Miami, FL, and Phoenix, AZ.
On January 26, veteran SDF-trained search team Roxanne Bauman & Cole (Utah Task Force 1) re-certified as a deployable team at the CE in Miami.
Then, on February 1and 2, an additional six SDF-trained teams certified in Phoenix: Robert Goertzen & Bailey (California Task Force 1), Michael Bruce & Cooper, Imelda Cordova & Diesel, Eric Darling & Ben, and Mike Patterson & Kendri (all California Task Force 5), and Steve MacDonald & Lilly, and Andrew Pitcher & Chief (both Nebraska Task Force 1).
The Phoenix test marked the first certification for Michael & Cooper, Imelda & Diesel, and Mike & Kendri, permitting them to respond as needed anywhere in the country. Eric & Ben, Steve & Lilly, and Andrew & Chief all re-certified, as required every three years to ensure that any team deploying to a disaster has maintained their readiness and can do the job.
The CE is no easy task and SDF is so very proud of all of the teams, both SDF and non-SDF-trained, that tested. Congratulations again to each and every team and thank you to everyone who helped support them thus far on their journeys!
