FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Work

Photo credit:  Kindly donated by Vavra following Sept. 11th

Zima and I have been deployed to the 2002 Olympics in Utah and 2 deployments to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (1 in Biloxi, MS and 1 in New Orleans)

Check out our newly added Hurricane Katrina photos and stories!
(Coming soon!)

Documenting homes searched in New Orleans

This is where I spend the majority of my time and the majority of my life!  I started training Zima for this work at 7 months and she is now an advanced certified FEMA disaster dog.  In addition, I have recently taken a position on our task force as the  lead canine handler, overseeing the NETF canine training program.  I am also an advanced evaluator for FEMA.  I enjoy the work immensely and recently certified my German Shepherd "Conto" and am currently bringing along my newest dog "Gin", a Border Collie/Kelpie mix.

Taking a break in New Orleans

Decontamination process in the middle of hurricane Rita!  (I'm in the middle with the maroon jacket around my waist)

K9 team down time...we had to stand down for a day due to hurricane Rita blowing through.

FEMA handlers are trained in all aspects of search and rescue.  We receive training in various other areas including Weapons of Mass Destruction, Hazardous Materials, First Responder level of first aid, Incident Command, Water Awareness, Trenching, Shoring, etc.

I always tell new incoming K9 handlers that the key to being a good helper in this work is to enjoy it!  It seems every picture anyone ever takes of me working a dog, I am always smiling and laughing.  

Monica working Kachi, a wonderful young Lab belonging to my good friend and mentor Elaine Sawtell

Zima works a rubble pile in search of victims

Zima working in grain elevator explosion simulation
Picture compliments of STAR-1 Search and Technical Rescue Team