The energy on our campus was palpable on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as we gathered with staff, friends, and family to celebrate a significant milestone: the official pairing of five new search teams. We were especially honored to have our founder, Wilma Melville, join us for the celebration as we …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
