Search Teams

Our Search Teams

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)

Tijuana Task Force 1 (TIJ-TF1)

Utah Task Force 1 (UT-TF1)

Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-TF2)

Draco & Clint Schepe

Draco & Clint Schepe

 

Team Info

 

Task Force: California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8)
Agency: Chula Vista Fire Department
Level: In training to certify

 

 

Search Dog Info

 

Breed: Labrador Retriever-Golden Retriever Mix
Sex: Male
Born: March 1, 2024
Recruited from Berrien County Animal Services
Sponsor: Vernon and Patricia Ralph, The Sandra Trinka Revocable Trust represented by Theresa McConville

 

 

Draco was raised in an apartment in Provo, Utah, but as he grew, his energy levels quickly outpaced what a typical apartment lifestyle could accommodate. His owner placed him for adoption in the local newspaper, where, fortunately, an SDF canine recruiter noticed the ad. He reached out to set up an evaluation. During the tests, Draco made it crystal clear that he was built for a higher purpose and desperately wanted to work. He was soon flown out to our National Training Center by a volunteer pilot with Angel Flights West, happily stepping into his new role as a search candidate. 

 

Upon arriving on campus, Draco proved to be a clever, engaging pup who thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the training staff. Described by trainers as a “quick study” and a “natural,” he excelled at his initial drive and alert work, quickly mastering everything from a single barrel to a three-barrel line-up while showing off his love for a loud bark alert to win his toy reward. As he progressed, Draco tackled increasingly complex scent pictures on the rubble while seamlessly absorbing his foundational obedience and technical search elements. The training staff noted that working with Draco was a true joy, watching him eagerly excel through every stage of the program. 

 

Draco’s handler, Clint Schepe, originally aspired to become a doctor, but life ultimately guided him toward a different path that perfectly combined his love for rigorous outdoor work, physical labor, and medicine. Finding his true calling in the fire service, Clint discovered the ideal blend of his passions alongside the daily privilege of helping others in their time of need. 

 

Clint’s deep appreciation for working breeds stems from growing up around working dogs, but his dream of handling a search canine truly solidified after meeting and working with Linda D’Orsi, now-retired Chula Vista Fire Captain and Canine Handler. Witnessing the incredible capabilities of Linda and her canine partner, Hailey, inspired Clint to pursue the specialized discipline himself. He learned about the Search Dog Foundation through California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8), which proudly partners with SDF to source its elite canine teams. 

 

Draco marks a major milestone for Clint, as this is his second canine partner through the Search Dog Foundation, following his time with his previous live-find partner, Georgia. Clint’s first impression of Draco was that he is an incredibly smart dog who strives to get things right on the very first try, with the added bonus of possessing a perfect “off switch” to relax completely when he isn’t working. 

 

The definitive bond between the two became undeniable through Draco’s subtle but clear communication. Clint noticed that Draco maintained constant eye contact and intentionally shadowed his every move. Watching this clever dog focus so intently on him solidified the realization that they were building a highly intuitive, unique partnership. 

 

Clint and Draco were officially paired on July 18, 2026. While Clint is an experienced handler, Draco is trained to detect human remains, representing a brand-new scent source and discipline for Clint. Their short-term goal is to dive headfirst into learning together and master the nuances of this critical specialty. Long-term, Clint looks forward to continually challenging himself and Draco with advanced training scenarios, standing ready to deploy as an invaluable, reliable resource for CA-TF8 and their community.