K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Inc. recently returned from Las Cruces, N.M., where they participated in the New Mexico Search and Rescue Council's annual statewide conference, ESCAPE (Emergency Services Council Annual Preparedness Event).

Volunteers met to network and train on many different aspects of search and rescue. The conference was three days long and had classes including search strategy, search management, new techniques, medical best practices, and utilizing canine and equines in the field.

Perhaps one of the more exciting events that took place was the Field Certification. This shows that students have a basic understanding of search and rescue techniques and will be able to successfully assist an individual that becomes lost or injured in the field. This year, K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Inc. had two new members who became field certified. The Team also had 2 members pass the Amateur Radio Technician Exam giving the Team a total of 11 members with their Amateur Radio License.

A member of the team is also headed to the L.E.T.S. (Law Enforcement Training Specialists) seminar. A L.E.T.S. seminar is a no frills, hard working 40 hours focused on honing scent discrimination skills for reliable specific scent location, within each discipline. This seminar will be held in Indiana and will be attended by teams from across the United States. Following this seminar the member will head to a NASDN (North American Search Dog Network) seminar to be held in Missouri. The North American Search Dog Network was formed in 1988 in response to the need for a readily accessible, detailed list of qualified search dogs and handlers. NASDN's mission has evolved over the years. They now offer a variety of resources to help their members provide extremely high quality services to their communities.

K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Inc. is comprised 100% of volunteers and is always in need of help. Currently, K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Inc is in need of local K-9 handlers. If you enjoy the outdoors and are interested in forming a unique, working relationship with a K9 partner, please consider volunteering your time. You do not need to have prior experience nor do you need to currently have a canine partner. For more information, check out the team's website at http://www.k9team.org, or call 970-882-4746.