Ojai-based rescue dogs deployed to Olympics

A different kind of highly trained athlete is working behind the scenes to protect international competitors and visitors at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Four canine disaster search teams affiliated with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation are integral members of a California task force deployed to the Olympics by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"Our search dog and handler teams have rightfully earned the confidence of safety officials worldwide. We are proud to offer these certified two- and four-legged experts in support of the Olympic Games," said Brian Humphreys, public information officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department and NDSDF board member.
The eyes of the world are on the Olympics, and nearly every nation will be represented, with unprecedented focus on international relations in light of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
"We're there to ensure that everyone will have a wonderful time, " says Debra Tosch, handler and NDSDF program coordinator, who is at the Olympics with her dog, Abby. Other NDSDF affiliated teams on the task force are firefighter-paramedic Deresa Teller with Bella (veterans of both Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center searches), investment counselor Ron Weckbacher with Manny, and firefighter Howard Orr with Duke. This highly experienced task force team worked together at the World Trade Center following the Sept. 11 attack.
The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, based in Ojai, is the leader in the field of canine disaster search training. The NDSDF trained 13 of the FEMA certified canine search teams deployed to the World Trade Center.
There is a tremendous shortage of FEMA-certified disaster search dog-handler teams, according to Tosch, less than half the number of needed teams is available for deployment within the United States.
The NDSDF routinely rescues dogs with disaster search potential from animal shelters, gives them intensive professional training, and pairs them with a firefighter handler.
The cost to train a dog and handler team to reach FEMA certification is $10,000.
"We are very proud that NDSDF dogs are providing a safety net at the Olympics," says Wilma Melville, founder and executive director. "With each deployment, handlers and dogs gain experience that can be passed on to others in training."
Those who would like to further advance the work of NDSDF may call (888) 646-1242, or visit the Web site at ndsdf.org.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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