Record 14 SDF-trained Search Teams certify for 100% pass rate in Arizona!

Congratulations to the Canine Disaster Search Teams who recently achieved Certification in Arizona!

On March 2 and 3, Canine Disaster Search Teams traveled from all over the country to take their FEMA Certification Evaluation in Phoenix, AZ. With a full roster of testing both days, a record 14 SDF-trained Search Teams were included in the line-up.

Hours, days, weeks and months of preparation go into every test and certification is a major milestone in every team's career. During the test, each handler and dog team must complete a search of two separate piles, being allowed 20 minutes to complete each, showing teamwork, strategy and, most importantly, trust in each other. Each team must re-certify every three years to ensure they are up-to-date and ready to respond when needed.

The CE is no easy task and SDF is so very proud to announce that all 14 SDF-trained teams that took the test passed and are now certified for deployment!

This 100% pass rate can be attributed to the dogs' initial training, the handlers' dedication to their canine partners, guidance during long hours of training with their task force teammates and support from each handler's family, every step of the way. We are so grateful for this SDF Family and so proud of all of the teams, both SDF and non-SDF-trained, that tested.

The full line-up of SDF Search Teams that certified are:

FIRST-TIME CERTIFICATION