Four SDF-trained search teams—Marshia Hall & Lilah (Florida Task Force 4), Patti Krafft & Billy (Texas Task Force 1), Lee Culley & Tommy and Roxanne Bauman & Cole (both Utah Task Force 1)—deployed to the Gulf Coast in response to Hurricane Laura.
These teams joined task forces from throughout the country that deployed to assist areas affected by this storm.
Hurricane Laura made landfall near the Louisiana/Texas border as a major Category 4 hurricane and caused widespread damage throughout the area due to 150 mph winds, massive storm surge, and flooding. Authorities reported the next morning that they expected search-and-rescue operations to continue for several days as many residents sheltered-in-place rather than evacuating and may now need assistance.
Though the storm was destructive and affected a large area of southern Louisiana, thankfully, it was not as deadly as expected and the urban search and rescue teams on the ground did not have to stay as long as anticipated. While canines did search some to ensure no one had stayed behind when the hurricane hit, it was determined that they were not needed and the task forces were able to return home.
Patti Krafft & Billy responded with Texas Task Force 1 to the area of Beaumont, TX, to stage ahead of the storm, the entire team was moved to a storm shelter when the hurricane began to head in their direction. The team stayed safe and after the storm passed, they completed damage assessments and helping to determine no one in that area was reported missing.
Lee Culley & Tommy and Roxanne Bauman & Cole drove through the night from Salt Lake City with the Utah Task Force 1 convoy, arriving in Amarillo, TX, before being deactivated when it was clear that they were not needed. Though they drove many hours without searching, handler Lee Culley reported that, “The dogs traveled great and brought comfort to all the weary first responders.”
Marshia Hall & Lilah, the first SDF team to deploy, conducted searches in the Lake Charles, LA, area and were the last SDF team to return home. They were able to help local authorities complete operations in the region, one of the areas hit hardest, where Hurricane Laura first made landfall, before returning to Miami, FL.
As former shelter dogs, Billy, Cole, Lilah, and Tommy, have blossomed into experienced and skilled search dogs, each having deployed numerous times throughout their careers. We know you share in our pride in these teams and their dedicated service through the years.
The training that goes into being prepared for an incident like this is only possible thanks to your generous support, and we so appreciate you helping Billy, Cole, Lilah, and Tommy, and every search dog in our program find their purpose in life. The work we do is not possible without you.
