On June 28, 2019, we welcomed four new SDF trained Search Teams to join our national roster. Having passed the leash to the four search dogs to their new firefighter-handlers, these teams are now taking their first steps in their careers together, dedicated to serving the nation when disaster strikes.
SDF’s newest Canine Disaster Search Teams joining our nation’s disaster response network are:
Luis Garcia & Montecito (Tijuana Fire Department/Baja California Task Force 3)
Fidel Gomez & Gemma (Tijuana Rescue Squad/Baja California Task Force 3)
Tyler Green & Mila (Orange County Fire Authority/California Task Force 5)
Michael Patterson & Kendri (Orange County Fire Authority/California Task Force 5)
Search Dog graduates Gemma, Kendri, Mila and Montecito successfully completed their search dog training at SDF’s National Training Center, learning the skills necessary to prepare them for a career of service in disaster search. Each with their own, unique story, they transformed throughout their time in training into confident Search Dogs, ready to be partnered with their new handlers.
The handlers had their work cut out for them as well, completing an intensive two-week Handler Course, culminating with their Search Team Graduation Ceremony in front of family, friends and SDF staff. SDF’s trainers spoke of the teams’ growth through the two weeks of their course and the anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead for these teams. Making the ceremony even more poignant was the highlighting of handlers Luis Garcia and Fidel Gomez receiving their third generation of SDF-trained canines, carrying on the legacy of those search dogs they’ve handled previously, as part of SDF’s program since 2003.
See video of the Search Team Graduation Ceremony here!
We are grateful to Baja California Task Force 3 and California Task Force 5 for their support of these teams as they entered the selection process, completed this initial training and as they continue on this journey together to Certification and eventual deployment to help others in the aftermath of disasters.
We would also like to thank:
- Save a Stray Rescue in Alabama for rescuing Search Dog Gemma.
- Sioux Falls Area Humane Society in South Dakota for rescuing Search Dog Kendri.
- Rachel Leard for recruiting Search Dog Gemma and volunteer pilot Sean Moran for flying her to our NTC to begin her training.
- Kellee and Tim Matthews of the South Dakota Canine Center for recruiting Search Dog Kendri.
- Trevor Lawrence for recruiting Search Dog Mila.
- Katrina Van Der Linden and Kirsten Fulk for helping SDF recruit Search Dog Montecito.
- Carol George and Roger Stewart for sponsoring Search Dog Gemma.
- An anonymous donor for sponsoring Search Dog Kendri.
- Patricia Snyder for sponsoring Search Dog Kendri as well as veteran Search Dogs Clancy, Merlin, Ruffy and Victor.
- The Joel and Dena Gambord Foundation for sponsoring Search Dog Mila, as well as an incredible 22 total SDF Search Dogs through the years.
- Julie Croker for sponsoring Search Dog Montecito as well as Search Dog Amber, already serving in Nebraska.
- Carol Fenbers for being a Guardian to Search Dog Mila.
See more photos of the graduation ceremony below:
