Canine teams deploy ahead of Hurricane Helene

A total of eleven SDF-trained search teams have joined the ranks of hundreds of two- and four-legged rescuers from across the country, answering the call for assistance from communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

In a massive response, SDF-trained teams Nick Bartel & Six and Jon Munguia & Clifford (California Task Force 2), Michael Bruce & Cooper and Mike Patterson & Kendri (California Task Force 5), Chad Arberg & Cory and Billy Walkenhorst & Victor (California Task Force 8), Carey Jenkins & Nate (Nebraska Task Force 1), Brian Girard & Keila and Brook Rowley & Echo (New York Task Force 2), Kristi Bartlett & Ivan (Virginia Task Force 1), and Brandy Outlaw & Pluto (Virginia Task Force 2) join their task force teammates as well as members of additional task forces, including:

• Colorado Task Force 1
• Florida Task Force 1
• Florida Task Force 2
• Indiana Task Force 1
• Maryland Task Force 1
• Massachusetts Task Force 1
• Missouri Task Force 1
• New Jersey Task Force 1
• New York Task Force 1
• Ohio Task Force 1
• Oklahoma Task Force 1
• Pennsylvania Task Force 1
• Tennessee Task Force 1
• Texas Task Force 1
• Utah Task Force 1

Helene is the fifth hurricane of the 2024 hurricane season and made landfall as a Category 4 storm in the panhandle area of Florida last Thursday evening, resulting in widespread infrastructure damage, and tragically, loss of life.

In the aftermath of the storm, rescue and recovery crews are now providing aid to affected communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia.

We are deeply grateful for the many rescuers, two- and four-legged alike, who have answered the call to help those in need. Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by this devastating event, and we offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones of those lost.