Oklahoma Task Force 1 Search Dogs

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Oklahoma Task Force-1 has been training its canine search and rescue teams for several months in preparation for FEMA Certification. Prior to forming the search dog teams, the Oklahoma first responders had worked together as structure collapse technicians, and when positions opened for canine handlers, the firefighters decided to take on the challenge.

According to Lieutenant Dane Yaw of the Oklahoma City Fire Department it took almost three years after the program began for the handlers to receive their dogs. This gave them the time they needed to get their facilities ready and to do a large amount of background work before receiving the dogs. They received four of their dogs in November of 2008 and one in January of 2009.

The team is special to Wilma Mellville because she started the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation after being deployed to the site of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. The Oklahoma City handlers have graduated to become search teams and are now on their way to FEMA certification; however, that takes time.

"Training has been going great. We do daily stuff and then we also get together once a week and do group searches. Surprisingly enough, all of the dogs are progressing at the same pace. Each dog has its own little 'nitch' that they prefer to do," claims Lt. Yaw.

Yaw says that Lieutenant Jason Smith's dog, Jagger, probably has the best nose of all the dogs because he finds the victim very early in the search. Smith comments on his dog's performance by saying, "He just came leaps and bounce since we received him in November and he's doing great."

Lieutenant Brent Koeninger's dog, Huck, or Huckleberry, is described as a "mischievous escape artist" who can open doors and get into places other dogs do not. According to Koeninger, he likes to "get out of things, get into things" and is also doing very well with his commands.

Taz, Lieutenant Mark Edwards canine, is best known for having excellent agility. Edwards says, "He's just a fantastic dog and one of those 'rags to riches' types of stories. He was a dog that didn't have a very bright future ahead of him."

There is even an entertainer in the pack, Elvis, who wants to live up to his name. Lieutenant Chet Clark introduces Elvis, "This is Elvis and he likes to sing, as you can hear! He's real solid. It doesn't make a difference what we're working on. He's consistent and he's progressing real well."

It has been a new experience to be partnered with their canines. Yaw adds, "It's like having another 4 year old. You've got to account for everything: feeding, watering, taking him with you. We split up duties when vacation times come around. We house other (dogs) which adds a whole other dimension having the 2 dogs under one roof. It's a good time."

Like all other teams, they have the support from the Search Dog Foundation. Lieutenant Yaw adds, "The Search Dog Foundation has been very generous. They fly out a trainer every 5 weeks to help us out with the issues that we have. Not only did they provide the dogs, but they provide a huge support network for us. Once we get our dogs, we're not on our own. So it's been a nice, pleasant process."

There's still a shortage of canine disaster search teams and the Search Dog Foundation continues to train and place teams in all parts of the country to be ready for any disaster.

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Author:Barbara Brooks - Video, Renee Marquart - Text