Congratulations to LACoFD's newest Canine Search and Rescue Teams! Pictured front row left to right are Fire Captain Dennis Clark and Rugby and Fire Fighter Sara Rathbun and Raider. Back row left to right are Fire Captain Andrew Olvera and Stetson and Fire Captain Dennis DiMarzio and Ty.
(Photo provided by Andrew Olvera)
LACoFD is proud to introduce four new Canine Search Teams (CST) of Fire Captain Dennis Clark and Rugby, Fire Captain Dennis DiMarzio and Ty, Fire Captain Andrew Olvera and Stetson, and Fire Fighter Sara Rathbun and Raider, who all graduated from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation's (NDSDF) Search Team program on May 14. It was a proud moment for these extraordinary dogs and their handlers who have joined our seven existing CSTs who provide specialized search and rescue assistance in foreign and domestic emergency response deployments.
The graduation was a culmination of a year-long process that all four handlers embarked upon in February 2010. Clark, DiMarzio, Olvera and Rathbun were the "final four" of 35 applicants selected by the NDSDF after extensive interviews and background checks, chosen for their dedication to both the program and their canines. After their selection, these four handlers-in-training traveled to Santa Paula during the week of May 1-7 for evaluation and education, followed by another week in Gilroy training with the canines. "The staff evaluated us, and knew their dogs well, so they had a good idea of who to pair up," says Olvera. "They let each dog meet us one at a time to get an idea of how each would interact with us. They paired us really well and we are all happy with our canines."
 
Becoming a CST is an incredible commitment on the part of the handler, as the canines are not only their partners in search and rescue efforts, but also part of their families. The dog's placement lasts beyond the dog's 10-year career; it's for life. In addition, a search and rescue dog generally cannot be treated like other dogs. Petting and play have to be used sparingly to maintain both the dog's motivation and focus. "It's kind of difficult to treat Ty more as a tool than a dog," says DiMarzio, who has served as a member of California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) as a Hazmat Specialist. "I've had dogs all my life, and I have to remind my family members he can't be treated like our other dogs." Agrees Fire Captain Bill Monahan, a CST member paired with canine, Hunter, and founder of the Department's program, "We have a responsibility to the victims that we rescue to ensure the canines are in top form. To not provide that consistency is doing a disservice to both the program and the dog." While different from the norm, the bond between dog and handler in a CST is rewarding for both—sharing work, play, and the satisfaction of saving lives.
 
Our CSTs must now attend two trainings per week, eight trainings per month to maintain their skill set. The handlers have to attend most of these trainings on their own time, and often log hundreds of miles driving between locations such as Ventura, San Diego, and Pomona to get to the training sites. In addition, before they can be deployed to a disaster, these new CSTs must pass the FEMA Certification test. The test is extremely challenging, requiring the dog and handler to demonstrate advanced skills and strategic thinking. Once FEMA certification is attained, the CSTs can be deployed anywhere in the world as part of CA-TF2. "There is no better reward for your efforts than when your dog finds a live human being, like Hunter and I did in Haiti," says Monahan. "That's where it all gets paid back to you for your time, your mileage, and the wear and tear on your family. That feeling and gift of finding a human life that only your dog would have found is incredible."
Congratulations to our new CSTs on their graduation and best wishes as they embark on their FEMA certifications! |
