Team Info
Task Force: California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5)
Agency: Orange County Fire Authority
Level: Certified
Search Dog Info
Breed: Black Labrador
Sex: Female
Born: March 5, 2017
Rescued by the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
Recruited by the South Dakota Canine Center
Sponsors: Pat Snyder, Anonymous Donor
Kendri came to us as a stray from the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and completed eight months at our National Training Center, enjoying her prized toy after a job well done. Kendri does everything with flair and is a “wonder-dog” on a rubble pile—always ready to go, go, go! This black Labrador is fast and lets nothing get in her way when searching. SDF trainers loved her enthusiasm and drive, nicknaming her the “crazy one,” and equally enjoyed her peaceful off-switch when not on the job. She has a really nice, sweet side to her—she loves a good scratch under the chin almost as much as her toy.
On June 28, 2019, Kendri graduated from training when she was paired with Michael Patterson. Michael and Kendri make an excellent team, and he is very patient with her, which is exactly what she needs. Michael is an Engineer with Orange County Fire Authority and is a first-time search dog handler, having been selected to be a handler in April 2018. Michael frequently visited the National Training Center for seven months before pairing with this passionate black Lab. The two worked well together, navigating the pile and obstacles in the arena with ease!
The team achieved FEMA certification in February 2020, which allows them to deploy with California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5). All search teams must be evaluated every three years to prove they have the skills to deploy on federal missions with their task force, and the team successfully recertified in March 2023.
The first time Michael and Kendri deployed was on a missing person search in Brea, CA, in February 2023. Three SDF-trained teams were deployed to the mountainous area one night in difficult terrain. Unfortunately, the individual was not located by the canines, but searchers were able to help bring the family some closure.
When Hurricane Helene struck the Gulf Coast and made her way inland as a Category 4 storm on September 26, 2024, Mike and Kendri deployed with CA-TF5 the following day to assist communities devastated by flooding. We wish them all the best of luck on a successful mission and safe return.