Team Info
Task Force: Oklahoma Task Force 1 (OK-TF1)
Agency: Oklahoma City Fire Department
Level: In training to certify
Search Dog Info
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Sex: Female
Born: December 9, 2023
Recruited from MK9 Solutions
Uly came to the Search Dog Foundation from MK9 Solutions, an organization dedicated to raising Labrador Retrievers for various working roles. Discovered alongside her sister, Uma, the pair were evaluated by our canine recruitment team. Recognizing that both sisters possessed incredible potential for urban search and rescue, the recruitment team accepted them into the program. Uly and Uma then caught a ride with our trusted transport partners, Four-Legged Kids Bus, making the long journey across the country to our National Training Center in Santa Paula to begin their official training.
Upon her arrival at the kennel, Uly proved to be a spunky, sweet, and incredibly energetic Lab who was ready to hit the ground running. She quickly began making great strides in the USAR program, effortlessly progressing from foundational drive and alert work to navigating large barrel fields and offering multiple enthusiastic barks in her distinct, high-pitched alert. Exhibiting a deep eagerness to learn and a natural love for collaborating with people, Uly excelled at her obedience foundations and progressed through our program with undiminished enthusiasm, tackling agility ladders, the emergency stop, and refined heeling skills with total confidence.
Uly’s partner, Jarod Freeman, became a first responder out of a deep-seated desire to help people and serve his community. Having grown up playing team sports, he possessed a lifelong competitive nature to constantly improve himself and perform at the highest level—making the Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD) the perfect team for him to join.
Jarod’s dream of entering the canine world was sparked on his very first day in the fire academy when a handler walked into the classroom with a search dog. Having had no idea that the fire department even utilized canines, Jarod was instantly hooked. From that moment, he made up his mind that he would do whatever it took to become a handler for OKC. His path eventually led him to join the K-9 team with Oklahoma Task Force 1 (OKTF-1), where he first learned about the Search Dog Foundation. Getting involved with the program opened his eyes to the profound history connecting the OKCFD to SDF’s founder, Wilma Melville, during the 1995 response to the Murrah Federal Building bombing. This legacy made Jarod incredibly proud to represent both SDF and OKTF-1 on the national stage.
Jarod’s first impression of Uly was that the little dog was going to be an absolute heartbreaker—a total ball of energy who loved being around people. For Jarod, it was love at first sight.
The definitive moment that sealed their partnership happened on their very first morning together in the training yard. When Uly was released into the play area to interact with the handlers, she bypassed everyone else, ran straight toward Jarod, and jumped into his arms, ready to play. After that spontaneous connection, both handler and trainers knew the match was meant to be.
Jarod and Uly were officially paired on July 18, 2026. Looking ahead, their short-term goals are to work diligently toward their official certifications and attend as many regional training events as possible to sharpen their skills. Long-term, Jarod is excited to welcome Uly into the Freeman home as a beloved family member while continuing a long, successful career as an asset to OKTF-1 and the OKCFD. We are thrilled to welcome this dedicated team to our search community.