On November 3rd, SDF’s training team passed the leashes of four Search Dogs to their brand new Firefighter-Handlers (L to R above): Aide Barbat & Fender (San Diego Fire-Rescue), Clint Schepe & Georgia (Chula Vista Fire), Joe Zakar & Dora (San Diego Fire-Rescue), all with California Task Force 8, and Vinnie Fuccella & Hank (Sacramento Fire) with California Task Force 7.
From basic heeling to search strategy and scenting, the Handlers learned as much as possible in the short two-weeks they spent at the National Training Center. Now partnered with their Search Dogs, the teams will continue to train together and with SDF’s Trainers to prepare for Certification and eventual deployment readiness.
We are so proud of these Search Dogs and Handlers and cannot wait to see them grow as they begin their careers together!
See the video from our live stream on our Facebook page of the Graduation Ceremony here:
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And here are some of our favorite photos from the Handler Course and Graduation Ceremony:
