SDF-Trained Search Teams Deploy to Orange County Mudslide

  On January 5, 2026, SDF-trained teams Michael Bruce & Cooper and Sean Monville & Nanci of Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), along with OCFA teammates Jill Haynes & Rubble, responded to a mudslide that occurred earlier that morning in Orange County, California. The mudslide, caused by California’s recent heavy …

SDF-Trained Search Teams Deploy to Washington State in Wake of Massive Storm System

  Seven SDF-trained search teams deployed to Washington state as an atmospheric river moves through the Pacific Northwest, causing widespread flooding and mudslides throughout western Washington. Erik Falkenstrom & Leslie, Brian Medley & Navy, and Alyssa Corsa & Wheeler of California Task Force 4, and Brandon Budd & Otter, Pat …

SDF Grant Helps Teams Build New Skills by Investing in Advanced Training

Gaining access to new training experiences led by knowledgeable instructors is essential in every working dog discipline. This year, several handlers utilized SDF's Search Team Grant to attend a multi-day wilderness trailing workshop in Butte County, Northern California.  The class was taught by a respected handler with years of experience …

SDF-Trained Search Teams Mobilize in Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa

  On October 30, 2025, SDF-trained search teams J.P. Hilsabeck & Bond, Ed Ruiz & Harper, and Mike Toepfer & Deacon of Los Angeles County Fire Department and California Task Force 2 deployed to the Caribbean, ready to lend aid to victims of Hurricane Melissa alongside rescuers from around the …

Congratulations to our three newest search teams!

On October 18, 2025, our training team officially passed the leashes of three incredible search dog graduates to their new handlers. Friends, family, and SDF staff gathered to celebrate these teams and the hard work and dedication that got them to this moment and the beginning of their careers in service to the nation.   Thanks …

Happy Tails – Remus finds his happily ever after with the help of our SDF community!

Remus came to SDF in 2018 as a one-year-old pup. He was smart, funny, and highly trainable—but because he was fearful of new people and wary of other dogs, he wasn't a good fit for search training. Our team began exploring other avenues that would better suit his temperament, including …