N at i onal d i saster search do g foundat i on

Remembrance Journal
S e p tember 2 0 1 1

F O U R T H A N N U A L

“ We Have Not Forgotten”

R E M E M B R A N C E D A Y
A T T H E N at i onal T ra i n i n g C enter

Lilly-Belle & Julie Padelford-Jansen, Florida Task Force 2 Photo: Karyn Newbill
 W e H av e N o t F o rg o t t e n

S September 11, 2011 marked the fourth annual Search Dog

Foundation “We Have Not Forgotten” Remembrance Day. As
the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, this year was especially
poignant for everyone gathered: our Canine Search Specialists
who were deployed to the disaster, their fellow first responders,
and all of us who respect and honor their dedication and service.
It is to those who lost their lives, and those who risk their lives
to save others, that we dedicated that day, and this place. The
National Training Center will be the home for these heroes—
human and canine—who sacrifice so much to ensure our safety.
Ten years ago, when our teams returned from their deployment
to Ground Zero, they knew their lives had been changed forever.
And the Search Dog Foundation understood its mission as never
before: to strengthen disaster response in our nation by partnering
rescued dogs with rescuers to save lives.
Ten years ago we would never have imagined that within a short
decade the Foundation would have trained 131 teams in seven
states, responded to 81 disasters, and begun to build the first
Training Center in America dedicated to training Canine Disaster
Search Teams.
We gathered together in gratitude to all those who comprehend,
embrace, and dedicate themselves to the human-canine bond in
the ultimate service to humanity.

Moments from the day ...

Wilma Melville and SDF Founding Search Teams Rob Cima & Ace,
Rick Lee, Jeff Place, Randy Gross, Jim Boggeri & Recon

Billy Monahan & Hunter

Deresa Teller with

Ranger & Ghillie

Jason Cornell & Zoey

SDF Founder Wilma Melville and SDF Lead Trainer Pluis Davern Chet Clark, Eric Gray, Riley, Hunter and Ace
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C O U N T Y P RO C L A M AT I O N

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 Th e B e ll C e r e m o ny

The Bell Ceremony

O Our 9/11 Remembrance Day began
at 5:46 am—the moment American
Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the
North Tower of the World Trade
Center. Eighty SDF handlers, guests,
staff and Board members gathered to
read the names of the 343 firefighters
whose lives were tragically lost in the
9/11 disaster. Dressed in his Class A
uniform, Chief Michael Antonucci led
the solemn ceremony, ringing the
firehouse bell after each group of names was read by firefighters Chief Antonucci rings
the firehouse bell, saluting
and guests. the memory of a fallen hero

In the pre-dawn darkness we gathered to honor those who lost their

lives on 9/11. The flicker of candles created a place of stillness and
reverence under the oak trees at the Grove. Under the silence was
a hum of energy and emotion as each guest arrived to take part in
this moment shared throughout the nation. A few minutes before
the ceremony began, the haunting notes of a solo bagpipe broke the SDF Board Member Ric Ruffinelli
silence, bringing us all intensely into the moment. reads the names of firefighters
who lost their lives on 9/11
And then full quiet again, until SDF Founder Wilma Melville wel-
comed us all, and SDF’s firefighter-handlers and guests lined up
in the stillness and dark to each read ten names by candlelight.
Before they began, Chief Antonucci explained the meaning of the This tradition has lived on. After each group of ten names was read,
Bell Ceremony. Traditionally, he told us, a bell would sound when a the Chief rang the bell and the firefighters present snapped to a
firefighter arrived at work and every time they were called to duty. A salute. Its sound echoed across America as the country mourned the
bell also tolled when a firefighter died, signifying that their job was passing of 343 of its finest, and all of us gathered knew…we would
done, and they were “home at last.” never forget.

The Bravest Man I Ever Knew by Chief Michael Antonucci

TThe Bell Ceremony at SDF’s National Training Center was extremely

emotional for me. We conducted this quietly powerful ceremony to
Let me tell you a story about the bravest man I ever knew. The most
decorated Firefighter in the history of the New York City Fire Depart-
honor 343 New York Firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice by ment, Chief Raymond Downey served his country in the U.S. Marine
giving their lives to save others. This is my reason to always remem- Corps and in 1962 he joined the FDNY. Chief Downey’s phenomenal
ber them and their sacrifice: 39-year career was built upon success after success and rescue after
rescue. He received five medals for valor and 16 unit citations, and
On September 11, 2001, as people were running from the inferno
was awarded the Administration Medal for his work in changing
created by the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, America’s
FDNY safety practices. On September 11, Chief Downey was the
Bravest ran into the towers and successfully evacuated up to 48,000
Deputy Chief of Special Operations. He was in charge of the elite
people. While people were screaming and crying, the Firefighters had
rescue squads, Hazardous Materials units and the Fireboats, and
a calming influence by simply doing what we do – bringing order to
the Urban Search and Rescue Teams – a national and international
chaos. In a Tower 1 stairwell, a fleeing worker stopped a Firefighter
response team which responded to Hurricanes Bertha, Iniki, and
and asked why he was going up the stairs while everyone else was
Andrew, the Puerto Rico Gas Explosion, the Oklahoma City Bombing
running down. The Firefighter calmly replied in his New York accent,
and the first WTC Bombing. Ray was always a teacher and mentor.
“Lady, I’m just doing my job.” That Firefighter never came back
Upon my arrival at the Oklahoma City Disaster, when I relieved him
down from the tower. Another Firefighter was told by a handicapped
as Operations Chief, he told me to hang in there and not let them
man he was helping down the stairs, “Save yourself. This building is
put politics over safety. That was Ray: down-to-earth and always
collapsing.” The Firefighter said the only thing he could think of –
looking out for the victims and rescuers.
the fireman’s motto: “If you go, we go.” The handicapped man was
saved, but the Firefighter never came back. continued on page 4
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 T r e e o f L if e

Tree Planting
T
The sun was just coming up as we gathered near the Canine Memorial for the
Tree Planting ceremony and took turns adding shovelfuls of earth to the base
of the Cercis tree. SDF’s Board Chair Chris Wright and SDF Handlers Rick Lee
and Deresa Teller, placed their 9/11 remembrance bracelets on the branches
of the tree as a sign of respect and
reverence for lives lost. This
very special tree will remind
future generations that we
have not forgotten.

“On September 11, 2010, knowing that

the 10-year anniversary was a year away,
I began wearing a remembrance bracelet
every day to show my respect for those
who lost their lives and loved ones in the
tragic events of 9/11/01. I knew when I
started wearing it that I wanted to find
someplace at the NTC to leave it on the
day of our event. The Tree of Life was
the right place.”
– SDF Board Chair Chris Wright

The Bravest Man (continued from page 3)

Ray and I talked many times about the high-rise fires in NYC and Many wrote their own social security numbers on their arms and
about the WTC Twin Towers. An expert in building collapses, Ray told legs because they knew they were not coming back. But it didn’t
me the towers were built to withstand the impact from a 727 air- stop them from doing their jobs.
craft. Little did he know that the ultimate terror device would be two
After 9/11, I found out that Ray was in the Tower 1 lobby, the com-
767 planes loaded with fuel and innocent passengers. After the 1993
mand post, when Tower 2 came down. Outside, three Firefighters
World Trade Center Bombing, Ray told me that if the bomb had been
were trapped by debris, and 63-year-old Ray Downey went to dig
placed 3 feet closer to the corner support, the entire building would
them out of the rubble. He got two of the three Firefighters free, but
have come down.
while getting the third Firefighter out, Tower 1 came down. They
Chief Ray Downey was due to retire on September 1, 2001, just 10 found Ray clutched to the trapped Firefighter, as if to shield him from
days before one of the darkest days in U.S. history. But in August the falling debris.
he learned that one of his sons, a Captain in the FDNY, was to be
Chief Ray Downey was my friend. I lost 60 friends and 343 fellow
promoted to Battalion Chief in January 2002. Ray changed his retire-
Firefighters on that fateful day in September. I am proud to be a
ment date to February 2002 so he and his son would be the first
member of the same fire service as Chief Ray Downey and the 342
father and son Chief Officers serving at the same time in the history
other members of the FDNY who made the ultimate sacrifice by giv-
of the FDNY. September 11th changed that outcome forever.
ing their lives to save others.
People ask me if Ray knew that the buildings were going to collapse.
If anyone knew, Ray did. In fact, all the Fire Department personnel
knew they probably would never return to see their families again.
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 S D F TEA M S D E P L OY E D TO

On September 11, 2001, America

witnessed the worst terrorist attack in our
nation’s history. Soon after the World Trade
Towers fell, a call went out to Task Forces
nationwide to help in the rescue efforts. In
all, 33 FEMA-Certified Canine Search Teams
deployed, including 13 SDF-trained teams
pictured below. The deployment posed the most
challenging search environment our teams had
yet faced, but their high-level training kept
them on course and focused on the search.
This year, as every year, we paused to remem-
ber those who perished in the disaster, and pay
tribute to the heroes—canine and human—
who risked their lives to save others.
In attendance at our Remembrance Day event were 8 of the 13 SDF Handlers who served at Ground Zero: Rob Cima, Howard Orr,
Deresa Teller with Ranger & Ghillie, Rick Lee, Randy Gross, Jeff Place, Kelly Gordon with Mattie & Aspen, and Debra Tosch

Rob Cima & Harley Kelly Gordon & Buddy Randy Gross & Dusty
El Dorado County Fire Montebello Police Department Sacramento Metro Fire

Rick Lee & Ana Sergio Morariu & Tammy

Sacramento City Fire Fremont Fire

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 GRO U N D Z ERO

Howard Orr & Duke Seth Peacock & Pupdog Jeff Place & Zack
Santa Barbara County Fire Civilian Fremont Fire

Mike Scott & Billy Steve Swaney & Sherman Deresa Teller & Bella
El Cajon Fire El Cajon Fire Los Angeles City Fire

Debra Tosch & Abby Ron Weckbacher & Manny

Civilian Civilian

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 r e m e mb e r in g . . .

An excerpt from

Rick Lee’s 9/11 Journal

E
Every minute at Ground Zero was overwhelming, whether it was
the sight of the destruction or even a mere comment. Life there was
heartbreaking, stressful, horrific, devastating, and the most treacher-
ous challenge for rescuers. However, hope, motivation, honor and
bravery nourished us.
Throughout the next many days there were agonizing hours of
wondering where and when we would be needed. Then the requests
would come…there would be an area that could possibly contain
buried victims where only the canines could search. Ana and Dusty
navigated the twisted steel with great skill and agility. Often the
piles had so many void spaces that it was like walking on a high
wire. Or the spaces would be so small that the dogs could barely fit
through the openings. Ana at Ground Zero with handler
Rick Lee and the rescue crew from
As the dogs searched, all of the rescuers watched and waited. It be- Sacramento Task Force 7
came quiet. It was as if someone turned off the sound. The other fire-
fighters were constantly amazed at our dogs’ skill levels. Randy and I
knew this is where all that training had paid off. It was what we had
often told others: that the canine can cover an area to determine if
any live people are there. If none, the rescuers can confidently move Rick Lee & Ana at the Fire Station
on. We never thought we had so much responsibility until then.
Ana never lacked confidence, not for a single moment. She had
boundless energy, never-ending enthusiasm. She gracefully manipu-
lated the twisted terrain as if it were another day in the park. She
performed beyond her training and my expectations. I know that
Pluis, her trainer, would have been very proud to see her student fly
across this debris. I know I was.

Rick and Randy at the new Canine Memorial

Rick Lee receives
Ana’s Memorial Tile from
Ventura County Supervisor There were numerous situations in death-defying environments and
Steve Bennett claustrophobic spaces deep below the earth’s surface. We searched
in elevator shafts and in subway stations with tracks that just led to
more rubble. There were many events that would never be known by
the general public or the media. There was the extreme disappoint-
ment of not finding anyone alive and yet being asked all the time.
Those words haunted me every day. The hardest thing I did in NY
wasn’t crawling through dark and dusty voids, but telling firefighters
on a daily basis that the canines were unable to locate anyone alive.
But that didn’t mean that we or the other rescuers gave up hope.
As for the canines, we had placed them in an unimaginable environ-
ment that tested their agility and skill level beyond their training.
They excelled above and beyond when commanded to work. They
had no mistakes or injuries. They had no fear when commanded to
scale the horrific twisted steel. They had only the drive to please.

Bagpipers summon guests for the Canine Memorial Ceremony (Read Rick’s complete 9/11 Journal at www.SearchDogFoundation.org)

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 o u r c a nin e h e ro e s

Remembering Abby
by SDF Founder Wilma Melville

O
On September 11, 2011, the last surviving SDF canine hero from the
World Trade Center deployment joined her handler, SDF Executive
Abby with Debra and Ron
at her retirement
Director Debra Tosch, at the Canine Memorial to honor those who
crossed the Rainbow Bridge before her. On September 23rd—just 12
days after our Remembrance Day event, Abby passed away, joining
her fellow Search Dogs over the Rainbow Bridge.
Born on October 30, 1997, Abby was the daughter of my Search
Dog Murphy, who deployed with me to the Oklahoma City Bombing.
From the start, Abby was special – the only girl in a litter of seven,
born in my bedroom. She was raised in Ojai, CA, until she was 10
months old when she left for training at Sundowners Kennels.
On completing her training, this special pup was paired with a
special handler, Debra Tosch, who was SDF’s Program Director at the
time. Deb and Abby became FEMA Certified after only 7 months of
training. They were one of the 13 SDF teams sent in to search for
On that day, Ron walked her to the rubble pile, released her with a
survivors in the World Trade Center in 2001—their very first deploy-
“Search!” command, and when Abby found her “victim,” she found
ment. They later deployed to the Winter Olympics in 2002, the deadly
Debra hiding with Abby’s favorite toy. Handlers are never “victims”
mudslide at La Conchita, CA in 2005 and Hurricanes Katrina and
for their own dogs but with Ron as her handler, Abby was surprised
Rita later that same year. They were also sent out on missing person
and excited to give her final tugs on that fire hose toy with one of
searches as part of the Ventura County wilderness search team.
her favorite people in the world—Debra.
In 2005 I passed the mantle of SDF Executive Director to Debra,
Many had the privilege to know Abby, but for those of you who
and Abby began training with SDF Handler Ron Weckbacher who
did not, know that each of our Search Dogs carries a little bit of
had worked alongside Debra for many years in both disaster and
Abby, a little bit of Murphy, and a bit of Wilma and Debra. Abby was
wilderness work. It was a perfect fit. After certifying as a team,
an amazing working dog, an inspiration and a friend who will be
Ron and Abby deployed to a mudslide in Orange County, CA in
missed greatly by everyone who knew her.
2007 and at the age of 10, Abby responded to her final deployment—
the Metrolink train crash in Chatsworth, CA. She continued to train Abby’s memory – so sweet and heroic – lives on in our hearts and
until her 11th birthday, when she completed her final search during minds, and her legacy will continue to shine at the National Training
training. Center’s Canine Memorial.

Reflections at The Canine Memorial by Handler Randy Gross

T The Canine Memorial Wall is

a well-deserved tribute to my
Dusty and all the dogs whose
images are there alongside
hers. When I first saw her tile
on the wall, I began reflect-
ing…I felt pride and sadness
at the same time. She was an
extraordinary part of my life,
my growing family, and my
career. It was the busiest time
and yet the best time. Dusty
was a part of two families—
at home and at work. The
kids grew up with her, they
helped train her, and they al-
lowed her to be a dog. At the
firehouse, the guys loved hav-
ing her there as part of our
fire service family. There was
Randy & Dusty at Ground Zero
laughter of course, but she
8
brought comfort to them as well on
those rough shifts. Dusty was with
me for almost every moment of the
10+ years that we were together.
She shared experiences that my
family couldn’t: the deployments,
the trainings, the long shifts at
work, many of the emotional events
that had a major impact in my adult
life. Whenever I looked down, she
was next to me looking up right Randy receives Dusty’s Memorial Tile
back at me. I made new friends that
have become like family to me and who remain very close to this
day…all because of Dusty.
As Rick and I talked reflecting on what our dogs meant to us, our
family, and the country, we know our dogs can never be replaced—
in our hearts or in our day-to-day lives. All of this is captured in the
Canine Memorial—a place where the dogs are honored for their
companionship and their service. It is a place all the handlers can
return to through the years, as we know our dogs are not forgotten.
 c a nin e m e m o r i a l

OOn September 11, 2011, the Search Dog Foundation honored 28 SDF
Search Dogs who have given a lifetime of service to their community
and country.
The Canine Memorial unveiling pays tribute to these canines who have
been at their handler’s side, day and night, year after year, offering love,
companionship, loyalty, and a willingness to run, full speed, into the
most challenging and threatening disaster environments the
moment the call for help was sounded.
The Canine Memorial is at the heart of the National Training Center—
a place to reflect and remember. It is a place where the dog’s handler-
partner, the family who donated the dog, the volunteer who discovered ABBY ANA
the dog at a shelter, and the dog’s Guardians, Sponsors and supporters October 30, 1997 - September 23, 2011 July 4, 1995 - November 12, 2008
Partnered with Debra Tosch & Ron Weckbacher Partnered with Rick Lee
can honor the memory of their very special canine. California Task Force 2 Sacramento City Fire
The Search Dog Foundation is dedi-
cated to the care and well-being
of every canine we accept into our
program. These dogs are the heart
and soul of the search, and when
they pass over the Rainbow Bridge,
we are committed to honoring
their legacy.

BELLA BILLY BRIE

April 4, 1992 - March 17, 2007 January 28, 1996 - August 16, 2010 June 12, 1998 - January 8, 2009
One of the 28 Memorial Partnered with Deresa Teller Partnered with Mike Scott Partnered with John Strickland
Tiles unveiled on 9/11/11 Los Angeles City Fire El Cajon Fire Anaheim Fire

CAPPY DUKE DUSTY GUS

January 13, 2000 - June 1, 2011 August 22, 1997 - August 8, 2011 February 16, 1995 - March 13, 2007 April 23, 1997 - January 1, 2001
Partnered with Gary Smith Partnered with Howard Orr Partnered with Randy Gross Partnered with Dan Solis
Ventura County Fire Santa Barbara County Fire Sacramento Metro Fire Kern County Fire

HARLEY HARRY HOPI ICON

December 1, 1994 - November 13, 2006 September 14, 2000 - January 19, 2005 September 24, 2000 - April 11, 2006 September 8, 2004 - July 3, 2010
Partnered with Rob Cima Partnered with Russell Tao Partnered with Mike Taul Partnered with Steve Swaney
El Dorado County Fire Chino Valley Fire Novato Fire El Cajon Fire
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 c a nin e m e m o r i a l

JAZZ JEFF KELLY LOLA

October 11, 2000 - May 28, 2010 October 30, 1997 - February 3, 2009 August 5, 1995 - September 25, 2000 January 15, 1997 - April 3, 2004
Partnered with Luis Garcia Partnered with Cliff Kolthoff Partnered with Gary Smith Partnered with Justin Milligan
Tijuana Fire Kern County Fire Ventura County Fire California City Fire

LUCY MANNY MOCHA MURPHY

July 1, 1996 - June 3, 2002 December 6, 1996 - April 14, 2009 March 22, 1999 - August 14, 2011 September 2, 1992 - May 21, 2007
Partnered with Gary Smith Partnered with Ron Weckbacher Partnered with John Thomas Partnered with Wilma Melville
Ventura County Fire Los Angeles City Task Force 1 Riverside Fire Los Angeles County Task Force 2

PUPDOG ROSS SHERMAN SIERRA

November 16, 1996 - August 7, 2007 February 12, 1997 - June 3, 2011 March 15, 1996 - September 9, 2009 October 20, 1997 - September 2, 2011
Partnered with Seth Peacock Partnered with Brian Marshall Partnered with Steve Swaney Partnered with Robert Paris
Colorado Task Force 1 Kern County Fire El Cajon Fire California City Fire

TAMMY TINKER WALLY ZACK

July 12, 1998 - December 6, 2008 October 20, 2000 - November 4, 2010 April 9, 1998 - January 4, 2010 August 14, 1996 - July 20, 2010
Partnered with Sergio Morariu Partnered with Oscar Gonzalez Partnered with John Strickland Partnered with Jeff Place
Fremont Fire Tijuana Fire Anaheim Fire Fremont Fire
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 S e a r ch t e a m d e m o

O
Our Remembrance Day event got underway with an exciting Search
Team demonstration. We watched dogs, once unwanted hoodlums
languishing at animal shelters—now on-call professionals—per-
form extraordinary feats of agility and obedience with meticulous Justice
footing and laser-like attention. Lead Trainer Pluis Davern showed
us how these eager dogs learn to navigate unstable terrain, tackle
difficult obstacles, and follow the exacting directions of their
handlers.
It was clear to see that what motivates these dogs is their love of
the game! For Search Dogs, the ultimate reward is the chance to
tug on a toy with an excited human being at the other end. This is
their driving force—the reason they work so hard to excel at the
skills they’ll one day need for disaster search…

Jeff Leon & Justice

Gypsy
(Handler, Tom Carney)

Rick Bartlett & Spuds

Dane Yaw & Salsa

Eric Gray & Riley

Adrienne Seibel & Danni

Lee Culley & Brutus 11 Lilly-Belle (Handler, Julie Padelford-Jansen)

 S e a r ch t e a m d e m o

Shani Richeson & Annie

Magnum
(Handler, Vincent Stoops)

SDF Lead Trainer

Pluis Davern & Zoey

Ellie
(Handler, Eric Hanzelka)

Hula
(Handler, Patti Krafft)
Zoey
(Handler, Jason Cornell)

... During the demo we looked around at the faces in

the audience and saw smiles, laughter, and so much
excitement! We were breathless as we watched the
dogs walk across high ladders, crawl through tunnels,
and race to a series of low platforms on their handlers’
commands. We were all spellbound watching the dogs
comb through an enormous mound of wobbly rubble
in search of live “victims.” We all cringed when they Elvis
(Handler, Chet Clark)
briefly teetered, then cheered when the “victims” were
found and the dogs received their tug rewards, tails Mattie & Aspen
wagging wildly. (Handler, Kelly Gordon)
–Devon & Janet

Ron Horetski & Pearl

Linda Tacconelli & Joe 12 Leila (Handler, Kyle Thomas)

 T H E N TC P RO J E C T

We’re Making Progress, Folks!

by SDF Founder Wilma Melville

T
The theme of last year’s “We Have Not Forgotten” day was the
official groundbreaking of the National Training Center. Since that
time, we have made substantial progress. Let me give you some of
the highlights we achieved this past year:

• Hired the General Contractor (Diani Building Corp.) and created

a design and oversight group which meets every week to review
the project progress. The group includes our GC, our architects
(Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects, Inc.), SDF’s Executive Director,
Board Chair, Campaign Consultant…and me!
• Completed the Front Entrance, Memorial Park, Guardian Glade,
and the Canine Memorial—all unveiled on September 11, 2011.
• On September 8, 2011 we received approval for our Conditional
Use Permit from the County of Ventura. This is a huge milestone,
two years in the making, which paves the way for SDF to open
and operate the NTC. Our thanks to professional Land Use
Planner Erik Nagy of Jensen Design & Survey, Inc. in Ventura for
his tremendous help and guidance in obtaining the CUP!
Just think: With the CUP in hand, we can forge ahead with the
project! We’ll be able to give our dogs a comfortable and lov-
ing home with a beautiful place to play and learn. We’ll be giving
our firefighters a permanent place to train in an environment that
simulates a real disaster—where lessons learned from deployments
can be shared so that all Search Teams have the skills needed for the
extraordinary challenges of disaster search.
Just as wonderful as the CUP approval is this amazing fact: To date,
SDF has secured $8,338,151 in cash and pledges from 41 donors.
This represents 58% of the $14,500,000 estimated cost of the NTC.
The majority of these funds have been raised over the last 18
months during a very challenging economy by a small group of
dedicated board members and SDF staff members.
Wilma & Joe at the new NTC Entrance Gate
Let’s face it. I’m 77 and have to accomplish a great deal in the next
few years to realize this dream of mine. Every day counts, and every
one of you will play an important role in building the Center.
The majority of you haven’t been asked to make your commitment
to the NTC. That will happen in 2012, when we will reach out to you,
confident that you will deem the project worthy of your support.
My message today is geared to a handful of folks who have the
means to move this project forward today. The project is moving
forward. Please join those who have led the way. This is your chance
to make your mark on disaster preparedness in America.
For those of you who have already made generous contributions, we
are incredibly grateful. But just as we continually ask more of our
Search Teams, and ourselves, I am asking you to do more if you can.
Talk to me, our Board Chair Chris Wright, or our Executive Director
Debra Tosch about your next commitment to the project.
Time is of the essence. The sooner we raise the money, the sooner
the Search Dogs will have a home, our firefighters will have a per-
manent place to train, and the SDF folks can get back to full focus
on our mission of service to the nation.

SDF isn’t a big agency with lots of fundraising staff and wealthy
Board members. What we do have is passion, energy, and your sup-
port, to help open the National Training Center—first of its kind
in the nation.

What we don’t have…is a lot of time.

The opening of the Center comes down to raising the

remaining $6,000,000 to build the Canine Pavilion,
the Handlers Lodge, and the Advanced Training Zone.
The completed Canine Memorial

Project Manager Tom McCutcheon shows visitors

a rendering of the Canine Memorial

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 N TC G I F T N A M I N G O P P ORT U N I T I E S

Y You can make your mark at the

National Training Center, and help
bring a critical resource to the
country, by choosing one of the
many Gift Namings below.
All Namings will be held in perpetuity,
and pledges can be completed over a
one- to five-year period.
For information about reserving
a Gift Naming, at these or lower
levels, please contact Wilma Melville,
SDF Founder (805) 746-1273 or
Wilma@ndsdf.org

Gift Naming
O PP O R T U N I T I E S
The Namings below in red have been reserved:
$6 million The National Training Center
$3 million Canine Pavilion
$2.5 million Clean Water Delivery System
$1.5 million Canine Training Grounds
$1.5 million Disaster Training Zone
$1 million Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Welcome Center
$1 million Bechtel Handlers Lodge
$1 million Development Den

$750,000 Memorial Park

$500,000 Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Canine Memorial $100,000 Frank McGrath, Jr. Family Executive Director’s Office
$500,000 Guardian Glade $100,000 Maintenance Storage Building & Workshop
$500,000 Ranch Rim Trail $100,000 The DeMartini Covered Canine Training Field
$500,000 Newman’s Own Foundation Search Team Showgrounds $100,000 Crystal Canine Socialization Area
$500,000 Old Ranch Creek $100,000 Old Ranch Cabin
$100,000 Showground Stage
$250,000 Memorial Arbor $100,000 Caretaker’s Quarters
$250,000 Memorial Pathway $100,000 NTC Campus Drives (4 total - Tiers 1-4)
$250,000 The BEB Canine Medical Clinic
$250,000 Williams-Corbett Foundation Canine Housing Suite $75,000 The Arthur and Stella Pepper Canine Agility Yard
$250,000 Canine Housing Suite $75,000 Direction Control Yard
$250,000 The Grove $75,000 Program Director’s Office
$250,000 Hilltop Vistas North (2) $75,000 Search Team Classrooms (4)
$250,000 Hilltop Vistas South (2) $75,000 Visitor’s Parking Area
$75,000 William H. Hannon Foundation Welcome Center Reception Area
$200,000 Nika Search & Rescue Training Ravine $75,000 Alert Tube Training Area
$200,000 Cassi Search & Rescue Training Ravine $75,000 Small Rubble Pile
$200,000 Oakley Search & Rescue Training Ravine $75,000 The Wood Pile
$200,000 Search & Rescue Training Ravines (2) $75,000 Simulated Mudslide
$200,000 Old Creek Bridges (2)
$50,000 The Ethel Frends Foundation Canine Training Grounds Viewing Area
$150,000 Thelma B. & Thomas P. Hart Foundation Board Conference Room $50,000 Canine Training Grounds Viewing Areas (2)
$150,000 Barn Gathering Hall $50,000 Disaster Training Zone Viewing Areas (5)
$150,000 Welcome Center Heroes Hall $50,000 Bark Alert Yard
$150,000 Neighborhood Search Prop $50,000 Grassy Obedience Yard
$150,000 Three-Sided Building $50,000 Canine Trainer’s Office
$150,000 Collapsed Freeway Prop $50,000 Handlers Lodge Porch
$150,000 Train Wreck Prop $50,000 Handlers Dining Room
$150,000 Maggie’s Rubble Pile $50,000 Handlers Living Room
14
 S D F C a nin e dis a s t e r s e a r ch t e a ms

National Roster
CALIFORNIA OKLAHOMA
Los Angeles Oklahoma City
Dennis Clark & Rugby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire Chet Clark & Elvis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma City Fire
Dennis DiMarzio & Ty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire Mark Edwards & Taz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma City Fire
Eric Gray & Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Santa Barbara County Fire Brent Koeninger & Huck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma City Fire
Ron Horetski & Pearl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire Jason Smith & Jagger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma City Fire
Billy Monahan & Hunter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire Dane Yaw & Salsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma City Fire
Andrew Olvera & Stetson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire
Tulsa
Sara Rathbun & Raider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire
Jeff Leon & Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tulsa Fire
Jasmine Segura & Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire
Adrienne Seibel & Danni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulsa Fire
Linda Tacconelli & Joe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California Task Force 2
Vincent Stoops & Magnum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulsa Fire
Deresa Teller & Ranger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles City Fire
Judy Zinn & Royce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma Task Force 1
Jason Vasquez & Maverick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles County Fire
Ron Weckbacher & Dawson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California Task Force 2 TEXAS
Scott Zins & Callie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles City Fire Keri Grant & Tucker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McKinney Fire Department
Mike Hargrove & Hayden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Task Force 2
Monterey County
Patti Krafft & Hula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dallas Fire-Rescue
Jonathan Barnes & Jeb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salinas Fire
Laurel Pitman & Sonic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas Fire-Rescue
Eric Hanzelka & Ellie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carmel Valley Fire
Kevin Skinner & Trevor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salinas Fire UTAH
Johnny Subia & Lola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seaside Fire Lee Culley & Brutus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Utah Task Force 1
Michele Vaughn & Comet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salinas Fire
Tijuana, Mexico
Orange County Antonio Galvan & Jezzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana Fire
Rick Bartlett & Spuds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange County Fire Fidel Gomez & Krissy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana Rescue Squad
Eric Darling & Ben. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boeing Fire
Davis Doty & Jester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange County Fire
Wade Haller & Rex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Long Beach Fire
Russell Tao, Andy & Major. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chino Valley Fire
Marc Valentine, Val & Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Montebello Fire
Doug Van Iwaarden & Wylie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange County Fire
Sacramento
Rob Cima & Ace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . El Dorado Fire
Jason Cornell & Zoey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Metro Fire
Jeff Ivy & Jakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento City Fire
Shani Richeson & Annie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Metro Fire
Tim Robertson & Speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento City Fire
Dave Stoddard & Rowdy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Metro Fire
Kyle Thomas & Leila. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Metro Fire
San Diego
Aide Barbat & Sarge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Fire-Rescue
Brent Brainard & Fletch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Fire-Rescue
Linda D’Orsi & Cody. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chula Vista Fire
Kelly Gordon, Aspen & Mattie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Montebello Police
Matthew Kirk & Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Mesa Fire
Richard Smith & Bella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lakeside Fire
Steve Swaney & Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . El Cajon Fire
San Francisco Bay Area
Jim Boggeri & Nino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marin County Fire
Tom Carney & Gypsy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South San Francisco Fire
Alex Mengell & Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alameda County Fire
Dave Ramsey & Sandy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South San Francisco Fire
FLORIDA
Marshia Hall & Trapper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temple Terrace Fire
Julie Padelford-Jansen & Lilly-Belle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City of Miami Fire-Rescue
Daisy Soto-Spira, Splash & Lilah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City of Miami Fire-Rescue
NEBRASKA
Steve MacDonald & Lilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nebraska Task Force 1
Andrew Pitcher & Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nebraska Task Force 1
Mark Schroeder & Jerry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nebraska Task Force 1
Damon Wirth & George. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lincoln Fire-Rescue
NEW YORK
Jason Geary & Marsi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City of Cohoes Fire
Greg Gould & Kura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control
Bill Simmes & Bonnie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control
John Stewart & Lani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saratoga Springs Fire
Oklahoma Task Force 1 - Tulsa
L to R top row: Adrienne Seibel & Danni, Vincent Stoops & Magnum
Bottom row: Judy Zinn & Royce, Jeff Leon & Justice
15
 S D F D E P L OY M E N TS
N No technology can match a canine’s ability to find people buried
alive under rubble, thanks to its remarkable sense of smell and
unparalleled ability to safely navigate dangerous terrain. Partnered
with a highly skilled firefighter trained to respond to every type of
disaster scenario, a dog becomes the ultimate tool in making sure
no one is left behind.
As Emergency Management agencies and Fire Departments become
more aware of this precious resource that SDF provides to the
Joe and Hunter take a break from searching during the deployment of Los Angeles County
Task Force 2 to the Japan earthquake and tsunami
2011
Hurricane Irene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green County, NY
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ojai, CA
Vehicle Accident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hacienda Heights, CA
House Explosion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salem, NY
Building Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Tornado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma City, OK
Tornado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joplin, Missouri
Earthquake & Tsunami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Japan
Landslide & House Collapse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
2010
Gas Pipeline Explosion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .San Bruno, CA
Truck Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Santa Barbara, CA
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carmel Valley, CA
House Explosion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sacramento, CA
Tornadoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma City, OK
Earthquake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mexicali & Calexico, MX
Earthquake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Port-au-Prince, Haiti
2009
Truck Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monterey Park, CA
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South San Francisco, CA
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neff’s Canyon, UT
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Laguna Beach, CA
Building Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Puente, CA
Building Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego, CA
Vehicle Accident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lakewood, CA
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tustin, CA
Missing Child Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Glenville, NY
Vehicle Rollover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bakersfield, CA
Truck Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Cañada-Flintridge, CA
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
2008
Metrolink Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chatsworth, CA
Hurricane Ike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galveston, TX
Hurricane Gustav . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Louisiana
Roof Collapse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rosedale, CA
Construction Explosion Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Earthquake Pre-staging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Landslide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
16
nation, the number of our deployments increases. Since 1999,
SDF teams have responded to 81 disasters.
We are building a National Training Center to ensure that America
has the number of Canine Disaster Search Teams it needs to find
people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters, and that these
teams have the advanced training they need for the most challeng-
ing deployments.
2007
Parking Structure Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacksonville, FL
Mudslide Pre-Staging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange County, CA
Large Area Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albany County, NY
Soledad Mountain Road Landslide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Jolla, CA
Hurricane Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth, TX
Structural Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alhambra, CA
Catskills Flood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roscoe, NY
Landslide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Tornado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake County, FL
2006
Trench Collapse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Mesa de Otay Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Hurricane Ernesto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Florida & North Carolina
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palm Bay, FL
Building Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daly City, CA
Floods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Town of Conklin, NY
Building Explosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albany, NY
Broome County Floods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sullivan County, NY
Mudslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mill Valley, CA
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mt. Pinos, CA
Partial Building Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bal Harbour, Miami, FL
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ventura, CA
2005
Hurricane Wilma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida
Hurricane Rita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas & Louisiana
Hurricane Ophelia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. East Coast
Hurricane Katrina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Missouri & Louisiana
Missing Person Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Topanga, CA
Mudslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laguna Beach, CA
Mudslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fraccionamiento los Lobos, Tijuana
Train Derailment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glendale, CA
La Obredja Mudslide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Mudslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Conchita, CA
2004
School Wall Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Mechanic Shop Wall Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tijuana
Torrey Pines Bluff Collapse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego, CA
Hurricane Ivan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida
Hurricane Charley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida
2003
Mudslide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waterman Canyon, CA
Earthquake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paso Robles, CA
Disneyland Train Derailment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anaheim, CA
Train Derailment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City of Commerce, CA
Building Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sacramento, CA
2002
Winter Olympics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salt Lake City, UT
Commercial Building Collapse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento, CA
2001
World Trade Center Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New York, NY
2000
Building Collapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Echo Park, CA
1999
Landslide and Retaining Wall Collapse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego, CA
 T H E G U AR D I A N G L A D E

O Our day of remembrance and recognition

included the unveiling of the new Guardian
Glade. This beautiful, serene retreat on the
lower tier of the NTC property is dedicated
to our “Endowment Guardians.” Each tile on
the Memorial Wall represents an SDF donor
who has made the Search Dogs part of their
personal legacy by becoming a Guardian. Many
of our Estate Donors have chosen to become
the “Guardian” of a Search Dog and follow the
life and career of an extraordinary animal. The
tiles reflect this very special expression of the
canine-human bond.

Carol & John Marengo

with Tom Carney & Gypsy
“John and I were so moved by the day—from the tears of
the Bell Ceremony to the recognition of the teams. We’re
so proud to be a part of this ceremony and organization.
We can’t thank Wilma enough for having this dream that
became a reality and continues to grow for the country.”

June Yanaginuma with Wilma and Abby

“Seeing and petting Abby was the most
important part of that wonderful day for me.
I whispered to her and enjoyed that so much.”

Marina Jordan with

Eric Darling & Ben
“Thank you so much for inviting
me to the 9/11 ceremony. It is a
day that I will never forget. I am
very proud to be an American.
SDF allowed me not only the
Janice Hong with Scott Zins & Callie opportunity to honor those who
“It was an honor and a privilege to attend the ‘We have not lost their lives on such a horrific
forgotten’ day of remembrance on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. day, but also to thank the SDF
The day was filled with remarkable stories of courage and hope. Handlers who are willing to give
Emotions ran high as first responders recounted the events of 9/11. so selflessly to help people they
Many tears were shed throughout the day, but there were also don’t even know. And then, of
lighter moments of laughter and fun, especially when the search course, the most important part
dogs demonstrated their amazing skills on the Search Team of my day was that I got to meet
Showgrounds. It’s always a delight spending time with my Callie the cutest, spunkiest, loudest and
and her handler Scott Zins and his family. I’m so honored to be best search dog ever…Ben! And I got to personally thank Eric for his
her loving Guardian.” passion and dedication to working with Ben and the SDF.”
17
 G U AR D I A N S

Mary & Jeff Kroll with

Eric Gray & Riley
“I was emailed by some-
one who attended the
event who said she felt
guilty for having ‘such
a wonderful day’ on a
day with such a solemn
theme. I told her there’s
no need to feel guilty.
The memories of the day
Beatrice and Gordon King with and the resulting stories
Doug Van Iwaarden & Wiley were tough, but I truly be-
lieve that SDF offers hope and brings together people who care about
“We were so happy to finally meet Doug and Wylie! Doug and his each other. And that sure was evident today – no wonder you had a
family are incredibly good people, and we are so glad that Wylie is wonderful day–it’s a wonderful cause!”
with such a wonderful family. Seeing the dogs and their handlers
work was amazing. What they do and the dedication they have for
their job is extraordinary. We really enjoyed meeting everyone, and
seeing Doug and Wylie was a highlight of our trip to California.”

Patricia Steman with Kelly Gordon

Jude Fiebert with & Mattie
Heidi Miller with Chet Clark & Elvis
Jason Cornell & Zoey “This was the best day ever – to spend time
with my dog Mattie and her handler Kelly.
“The 9/11 event was bittersweet.
It doesn’t get any better.”
It touched me down into the
bottom of my heart. Being from
Brooklyn, and seeing that piece
of the tower with the firemen
standing by the Canine Memo-
rial—everything was unreal and
wonderful.”
Lynn Loacker
and Wilma

Nelia Morgan with

Rob Cima & Ace
Jeff and Jill Wenig with Aspen Nancy and San Buschmann with Spuds
18
 S P O N S OR S

S
SDF has welcomed 161 Search Dog Sponsors—supporters around
the country who have contributed $10,000 or more and helped a
California Federation of
rescued dog enter the ranks of the most highly trained Search Dogs Women’s Clubs
in the nation. Seventeen of our Sponsors enjoyed a chance to see Arleen Charsha, State Chair-
their cherished canines at the 9/11 event. man for Public Issues Marina
District, and Kathi McGraw,
California State President, with
Andy Olvera & Stetson
“What a wonderful time we had
meeting Stetson! Kathi and I
fell in love with him! And Andy is such a nice person. Watching the dogs
work was amazing and great fun. What characters some of them are!”

America’s Court Reporters, Sponsors of 6 Search Teams

L to R: Patti Krafft & Hula, Mark Schroeder & Jerry, Jan Lopez, Ron
Horetski & Pearl, Jeff Leon & Justice, Chet Clark & Elvis
“Seeing our canine-handler teams at the 9/11 event was heartwarm-
ing, uplifting, and inspiring. SDF embodies the giving spirit of our
fallen colleague, Atlanta court reporter Julie Brandau. From rescued
to rescuer and from civil servant to civil servant, America’s court
reporters are sponsoring the training of rescued dogs and gifting
these extraordinary canines to firefighters and other first responders
in Julie’s memory. We are honored to be a Part of the Search.”
Jan Lopez, Founder
Julie Brandau Community Service Memorial Project
Emma and Otilia Diaz
Sponsors of Matt Kirk & Stella and Luis Garcia’s future Search Dog,
pictured here with the Tijuana Search Teams – L to R: Fidel Gomez &
Krissy, Luis Garcia, Antonio Galvan & Jezzie
“The Bell Ceremony, just as the sun was rising, was especially
moving…and we were touched with the dedication of the Canine
Memorial and grieved with the handlers whose beloved partners
crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, for we also know what it feels like
to lose our beloved pets. We were at the site this past May and could
not believe our eyes at the magnificent transformation that occurred
in such a short time.”

Greg and Janet Van Huisen

Pictured with Eric Darling & Ben
“We are honored to be sponsors
of Ben and Haley, and excited to
sponsor our next dog!”

Linda Tacconelli &Joe surrounded by members of the

Westlake Women’s Club
“Thank you for the privilege of spending the 10th anniversary of
9/11 with the fantastic SDF staff and volunteers at the National
Training Center. The Westlake Women’s Club is extremely proud to
sponsor Joe, and we’re so grateful to Linda Tacconelli and SDF for
giving him the best training possible for all his future deployments.”
Linda Schottel Fran Toll
Laura Rockenberger with her Mattie
with Rick Bartlett & Spuds (Handler Kelly Gordon)
19
 F O U N D AT I O N S

Gary and Mary West Foundation

Sara Vaz, Program Associate at the Gary and Mary West Foundation, enjoyed
meeting SDF’s Nebraska Search Teams, whose advanced training is generously
underwritten by the West Foundation: (L to R) Mark Schroeder & Jerry,
Andrew Pitcher & Chief, Damon Wirth & George, and Steve MacDonald & Lilly.
“It was an honor and privilege to join the Search Dog Foundation on the
10th anniversary of 9/11 to commemorate the lives of the brave firefighters
lost on that tragic day. The selflessness and courage of these individuals
is also seen in the search dogs and their handlers. The Gary and Mary West
Foundation is proud to support such meaningful work.”

Volentine Family Foundation

Diane Hayes, Nancy Popenhagen, and Beth Kelly from the Santa Barbara-based
Volentine Family Foundation enjoyed watching Search Dog Spuds demonstrate
“direction control” – a skill which can be vital to keeping a dog safe in a
disaster environment.
“The September 11, 2011 remembrance was both thoughtful and well done.
It is imperative that we as Americans remember the victims of the horrific
terrorist attack, and honor those first responders killed or injured trying to save
others. The work that the law enforcement, fire, port authority, and medical
personnel, along with the Search Dogs and their handlers, performed in the
days after September 11th was untiring, and under circumstances that most
people would not have been able to cope with.”

B&B Foundation
Devon Geiger Nielsen and Debra Geiger of the B&B Foundation with their
sponsored team, Dennis Clark & Rugby of Los Angeles Task Force 2.
B&B Foundation trustee Eliot Crowley named Rugby when
he entered SDF’s training program in September of 2010.

Newman’s Own Foundation

The Search Teams demonstration took place at the site of the future Newman’s
Own Foundation Search Team Showgrounds. Veteran SDF Handler Russell
Tao, with his retired canine partner Andy, took a break to sample the Newman’s
Own Old Fashioned Roadside Virgin Lemonade. Earlier that day at the pre-dawn
Bell Ceremony, Robert H. Forrester, Newman’s Own Foundation President and CEO,
participated in reading names of the 343 fallen firefighters who responded to the
World Trade Center attacks, via telephone from his home in Connecticut.
20
 C OR P ORATE P ART N ER S

Nutro
A Thirteen-Year Partnership

S
Since 1998, The Nutro Company has proudly partnered
with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.
Search Dogs eat a regular diet of NUTRO® NATURAL
CHOICE® dog food, helping keep them strong and fit
for their life-saving work. The company has provided
free NATURAL CHOICE® vouchers to every FEMA-
Certified Search Team in the U.S.—a tremendous
savings to the Handlers, and a great benefit to the
canines who thrive on this quality nutrition.
SearchDogsUSA has an exclusive agreement with The
Nutro Company, and NATURAL CHOICE® is the Official
Pet Food of the Search Dog Foundation. The Search
Dog Foundation is proud to be part of the Nutro Family,
and looks forward to a continued strong and vibrant
partnership.
“It was a true honor to participate in the ‘We Have Not Forgotten’ Remembrance Day event. The Nutro Company has been
a steadfast partner of the Search Dog Foundation, and we are proud to continue our partnership through our donation
of dog food to fuel America’s Search Dogs and $1 million in support of the Foundation’s phenomenal life-saving work.”
Kent Cunningham, Vice President of Marketing, The Nutro Company
The Nutro Company is proud to be Part of the Search.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

A Seven-Year Partnership

Mars Wisdom Panel T The mission of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is to
benefit the health and well-being of humankind by contributing to
A Two-Year Partnership an adequate supply of safe, nutritious food, and by promoting the

W
When SDF’s Canine Recruiters walk through animal shelters, they’re
looking for Labs, Goldens, Border Collies (or a mix of these breeds)
emotional and physical benefits arising from the human-animal
bond. The partnership between BIVI and SDF began in 2004. In 2007,
the company renewed its commitment to SDF and the relationship
with the boldness, drive, and agility required for disaster search. between our handlers and canines.
In 2009, SDF partnered with Mars Veterinary™ to find the next great As the manufacturer of Metacam® (meloxicam), BIVI’s relationship
Disaster Search Dog through their state-of-the-art Wisdom Panel takes the form of a cause-
canine genetic testing technology—provided at no cost to SDF. related marketing initia-
The test gives us a chance to find out a dog’s breed history with tive administered through
the swipe of a cheek swab. The information helps explain certain SearchDogsUSA. Metacam,
behaviors and enables handlers an anti-inflammatory prod-
to address health issues before uct that relieves the symp-
they become a problem. toms of osteoarthritis, has
been designated the Official
Thanks to the generosity of Mars Arthritis Medication of the
Veterinary, the Wisdom Panel test Search Dog Foundation.
is now being offered at no cost
to all SDF Handlers and Lifetime
Care families. Ultimately it will
help us uncover the genetic
signature of what makes a “top
Search Dog” so we can be sure
BIVI’s Sponsored Team: Johnny Subia & Lola
the rescued dogs we recruit truly
have what it takes to be Part of
the Search.
Raider. Great Search Dog. What breed?
21
 C OR P ORATE P ART N ER S

AT&T and the Search Dog Foundation Young & Rubicam to the Rescue!
A Seven-Year Partnership A Nine-Year Partnership

I
In 2004, AT&T discovered the Search Dog Foundation’s
unique program of rescuing dogs and partnering them I In the wake of the September
11th tragedy, New York based
with firefighters to save lives. While SDF focuses on the Y&R Brands (one of the world’s
human side of disaster recovery, AT&T concentrates on top marketing and communica-
the technical side, quickly restoring communications to tions firms) offered to help raise
its customers. AT&T continues to provide awareness about SDF’s life-sav-
generous financial support to SDF, and ing mission by designing a suite
invites SDF Search Teams to its Network of powerful advertisements, and
Disaster Recovery (NDR) events across arranging for donated placement
the country. of the ads in national media.
To date we have partnered with AT&T to We are now one of Y&R’s lon-
bring our message of disaster prepared- gest-running pro-bono clients,
ness and response to 22 cities. In 2011 enjoying highly successful print,
our teams are joining NDR events in radio and television ads. Their
Dallas and Washington, DC. Each time award-winning ads have inspired interest and involvement nation-
SDF teams participate in these events, we wide. We are deeply indebted to Y&R and their affiliate, GroupM,
make new friends and raise awareness a highly acclaimed international marketing and communications
about the two sides of disaster recovery. agency, for their precious gifts of time and talent.
“I count it a privilege to have represented AT&T and all my fellow
Americans on the special 9/11 Remembrance Day. The Bell Ceremony
was very moving and so were the special presentations after lunch and
at the Canine Memorial. The agility/search demonstrations were ab-
solutely amazing—it was very impactful to see nearly 50 handlers and
dogs in action!
Our Remembrance Day was partially underwritten by SearchDogsUSA,
I especially enjoyed the hayride tour of the newly acquired land in the the for-profit licensing arm of the Search Dog Foundation. SDUSA
canyon. The vision shared was remarkable and the progress that has is solely owned by SDF, and provides financial support and national
been made in such a short window of time is astounding. At this pace, awareness to the Foundation through product endorsements and
it won’t be long before search dogs and their handlers will receive their cause-related marketing.
training at the new National Training Center. SDF truly is Best in Class!” The funds help underwrite SDF’s publications and events so we can
Bill Bright, Program Director, AT&T Services Inc. dedicate a higher percentage of community support to program activi-
ties. SDUSA is privileged to be in ongoing partnerships with Nutro Prod-
ucts, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., HealthyPets, Inc., and
BowTie Press Support of the Search Dogs! others to bring support to the Search Teams. These companies and their
Hunter: Dog Fancy’s Working Dog Hero of the Year employees are making their mark in helping SDF strengthen America’s

S
emergency response network.
SDF Search Dog Hunter has been This year, SDUSA will launch an e-commerce website showcasing prod-
chosen by Dog Fancy magazine as ucts for canines and humans. Plans are underway to develop wholesale
America’s 2011 top working dog products for pet stores under SDUSA’s IRONDOG Brand. SDUSA will be
in the field of search and rescue. expanding its corporate alliances, enabling small- and mid-sized compa-
nies to enter into cause-related marketing partnerships.
Hunter and his partner, Captain
Billy Monahan of Los Angeles
County Fire, were deployed to
the Metrolink train crash, the
earthquake and tsunami in Japan,
and the Haiti earthquake—where Hunter found three girls buried alive in Follow us on Twitter and Facebook:
the rubble. www.facebook.com/NationalDisasterSearchDogFoundation
We congratulate Billy and Hunter, and thank www.twitter.com/searchrescuedog
Dog Fancy for this tremendous honor! Learn more about the Search Teams:
Dog Heroes of September 11th is the story of the canines who served www.SearchDogFoundation.org
their country in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. 501 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023 • 888.459.4376
Originally published in 2006, the book was written by longtime SDF
supporter Nona Bauer and published by BowTie Press. This tenth
© 2011 National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, all rights reserved. National Disaster Search Dog Foundation,
anniversary edition features 100 new pages and 150 new color
Dog with helmet icon, Bark Alert, Quest, Be Part of the Search, SearchDogsUSA, Good for Your Company - Good for
photographs. A portion of the sale of each book will be donated to the Country, Dog with Baseball Cap icon, IronDog are all registered trademarks of the National Disaster Search Dog
SDF to help further our work of rescuing dogs, and saving lives. Foundation. This Remembrance Journal was printed on recycled paper using soy (not petroleum-based) ink.

22
 v o lun t e e r s

The Search Dog Foundation is deeply grateful to all the individuals, families, foundations
and companies who make our work possible. We would like to give special thanks
to those who lent a hand in our Remembrance Day event.

T The beautiful photos that grace the pages of the Remembrance Journal were taken by
13 photographers who volunteered to capture the spirit of the day so we could share
it with all of you. We will also have video footage of the day to share, thanks to four
professional videographers who captured every moment of the event—from the pre-
dawn Bell Ceremony to our afternoon Canine Memorial tribute. We are so grateful to
all of these professionals for offering their precious time and tremendous talent, and
for being…Part of the Search!
Photographers: Petra Ayres, Eliot Crowley, Tracy Darling, Brian Dodge, Abbey Hull,
Jack Hutchinson, Jamie Kitz, Karyn Newbill, Tony Panzica, Tokie Shynk, Jan Slotar,
Jennifer Tapp, SaraLloyd Truax
Videographers: Brian Dodge & Brian Meehan (Explore.org), Jack Hutchinson,
William Wright

Tokie Shynk gets the attention of Lilly and handler

Steve MacDonald as master photographer Eliot Crowley
captures the perfect moment

Penny Woodruff, SDF Canine Recruiter extraordinaire

who recruited Rugby, with Rugby’s Sponsor,
SDF photographer Eliot Crowley

Bill Boetticher and the

Gold Coast Pipe Band

Iron Mountain Boys

Wilma with son Harry Hirschman,

one of our wonderful
Pancake Breakfast volunteers

Search Dog Ellie gives a THANK YOU kiss to her Guardian, Former NTC ranch owner
SDF Lead Volunteer Jamie Kitz Josie Willett’s granddaughter
(right) with a friend, both event
volunteers, with Search Dog Royce
Oxnard Police Dept. Explorers present the colors

MUSIC: Iron Mountain Boys, Chief Mike Antonucci, Bill Boetticher and the Gold Coast Pipe Band
e m a il upd a t e s !
VETERINARY CARE: Kellee Matthews POSTING OF THE COLORS: Oxnard Police Department Explorers
VENDORS: American Grandstand Seating Co., Amigo Party Rental, Clocktower Inn, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Custom Printing, Debbie Brown, Don Rafa Tacos, Keep up to date with Search Team
Draganchuk Security & Patrol, Inc., EJ Harrison & Sons, J.W. Enterprises, Limoneira, Luners, Inc., Mac Brown Excavating, Inc., Main Street Banner, Marty’s Catering,
Ojai Stitchworks, Party Parking Valet Service, Santa Clara Valley Disposal, Schwann’s, Sharon Palmer, Sign-A-Rama, So Cal Feed, Superior Ice, The Pin Center, Deployments and rescue stories
Ventura Beach Marriott, Waller Design by sending your email address to
VOLUNTEERS: Alana Adelman, Claudia Adelman, Juliana Adelman, Olivia Adelman, Leslie Aulenta, Matthew Bacon, Sharon Bacon, Becky Benard, Laura Benard,
Barbara Bickmore, Gary Bickmore, Debbie Brown, BTS, CFWC Westlake Women’s Club, Carole Chadick, Jeffrey Chavez, Sharon Cromartie, Lynn Ferguson,
rescue@ndsdf.org
Judy Haller, Harry Hirschman, Deb Kelly, Judy Kenney, Jamie Kitz, Debi Mauck, Ryan Mauck, Shannon Mauck, Sharon McMillan, Gary Meinke, Peggy Meinke, (Not to worry! We never sell or share
Fran Melville, John Melville, Beverly Nichols, Nathan Nichols, Jesse Perez, Clay Phelps, Laura Pollick, Shirley Ramgren, Glaen Redeker, Jeremy Reineck, Jessie Root,
Cherry Sadler, Tokie Shynk, Jo Stalder, Chuck Swift, Kathie Swift, Jackie Thomas, Sergio Valencia, Kirk Wellington, Jeff Wenig, Daryl West the email or mail addresses of our supporters.)
With so many to thank, we apologize if we neglected anyone in the acknowledgments above.