Search Teams

Our Search Teams

Baja California Task Force 3 (BC-TF3)

California Regional Task Force 7 (CA-RTF7) Ventura County

California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1) Los Angeles City

California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) Los Angeles County

California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3) Bay Area

California Task Force 4 (CA-TF4) Oakland

California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) Orange County

California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7) Sacramento

California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8) San Diego

Nebraska Task Force 1 (NE-TF1)

New York Task Force 2 (NY-TF2)

Oklahoma Task Force 1 (OK-TF1)

Utah Task Force 1 (UT-TF1)

Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1)

Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2)

Koa & Damon Wirth

Koa & Damon Wirth

Team Info

Task Force: Nebraska Task Force 1 (NE-TF1)
Agency: Lincoln Fire Rescue

Level: DHS/FEMA Certified

Most Recent Certification: November 22, 2020

 

Search Dog Info

Breed: Yellow Labrador
Sex: Male
Born: July 22, 2017

Recruited from: a Private Donor in Pleasant Grove, UT
Recruited by: Trevor Lawrence

Sponsor: The Joel and Dena Gambord Family

 

Koa was originally adopted as a puppy to be a household pet in Utah. Soon after bringing him home, however, his owner realized that this lovable, enthusiastic, energetic Lab needed more attention than she could dedicate to him. She listed Koa in the local newspaper, thinking he deserved the best home possible, and SDF Recruiter Trevor Lawrence answered the ad, knowing this smart boy could use a special job!

Trevor conducted an initial evaluation of Koa, adopted him for SDF and transported him to our National Training Center in Santa Paula, CA. For just over six months, Koa worked and trained to become a live find search dog. He caught on quickly, and trainers enjoyed working with the happy Labrador.

Koa was partnered with Lincoln Fire-Rescue and Nebraska Task Force 1 canine handler Damon Wirth on September 27, 2019. Damon’s veteran Search Dog George is nearly ready for retirement after a nine-year career with three FEMA certifications, so it is time to add to his pack. Damon told us he’s found that his new partner has reignited his own passion for the search—he can hear the anticipation and thrill in Koa’s bark, excited to get to work before he even gets out of his crate!

Koa and Damon continue training together at home in Nebraska as they prepare for FEMA certification, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements in the years to come!