On October 26, 2018, we introduced five new SDF trained Search Dogs to join our nation’s roster of canine heroes. Along with their new First Responder-Handlers, they are now taking their first steps in a career dedicated to serving the nation when disaster strikes.
SDF’s newest Canine Disaster Search Teams joining our nation’s disaster response network are:
Michael Bruce & Search Dog Cooper (Orange County Fire Authority/California Task Force 5)
Wade Haller & Search Dog Dallas (Long Beach Fire Department/California Task Force 5)
Imelda Cordova & Search Dog Knox (Orange County Fire Authority/California Task Force 5)
Michael Devine & Search Dog Sonny (Los Angeles Fire Department/California Task Force 2)
Ryan Greenup & Search Dog Koda (Los Angeles Fire Department/California Task Force 2)
Search Dog graduates Cooper, Dallas, Knox, Sonny and Koda were tremendously dedicated throughout the Handler course and during their time training at SDF’s National Training Center–learning all the skills necessary to prepare them for a career of service in disaster search. Each with their own, unique story, they transformed throughout their time in training into confident Search Dogs, ready to be partnered with their new handlers.
After an intensive two-week Handler Course, covering everything from basic handling skills to more advanced scent theory and search strategy, the handlers were ready to be handed the leash to their new canine partners. During a special Search Team Graduation Ceremony in front of family, friends and SDF staff, SDF’s trainers spoke of the teams’ growth through the two weeks of their course and the anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead for these teams.
See video of the Search Team Graduation Ceremony here!
We are grateful to California Task Forces 2 and 5 from Southern California for their support of these teams as they entered the selection process, completed this initial training and as they continue on this journey together, as Search Teams, to Certification and eventual deployment to help others in the aftermath of disasters.
We would also like to thank:
- Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue in San Francisco, CA for rescuing Cooper.
- Kirsten Fulk for helping SDF recruit Search Dog Cooper.
- Greg Stickland for helping SDF recruit Search Dog Knox.
- The Joel and Dena Gambord Foundation for sponsoring Search Dogs Cooper, Dallas, Koda and Sonny.
- Nanci Denney Bergin for sponsoring Search Dog Sonny.
- The Frances and John Wahl Foundation and Westlake Women’s Club-CFWC for sponsoring Search Dog Knox.
- Sandra Sanders for being a Guardian to Search Dog Knox.
See more photos of the Handler Course and graduation below:
