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Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue
K9/Emotional First Aid Team
"Leaving No Stone Unturned"
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Links
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Announcements
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| 01-31-12 - Tuesday, January 31, 2012SWPANSAR WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THEIR NEWEST MEMBER:
Congrats to President, Jen Morgan on getting her new addition, "Message!" He has some big shoes to fill and we have high hopes for him!
SWPANSAR would like to thank Vesper Aussies for trusting us with one of their pups. We are sure he will make them proud!
Message is too young to tell which discipline he will be training for, but we will keep you posted on his progress.
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| President, Jen Morgan nominated for Eagle Rare Life Award - Friday, December 23, 2011President, Jen Morgan is nominated for Eagle Rare Life Award
Jen Morgan of SWPANSAR was nominated for the Eagle Rare Life Award for her work in finding people who are lost or missing.
More than 100 people from across the country have been nominated for the Rare Life Award, which has a grand prize of $20,000.00. The prize will go to the winner's charity of choice, which if
won will be donated to SWPANSAR.
A cost free way for the community to support the work of the search and rescue team is to go online to vote for Jen Morgan at www.eaglerarelife.com/content/jen-morgan
The top 20 vote-getters will be reviewed and a committee will select the top seven nominees. The grand prize winner will be selected in Feb. The remaining six nominees will each receive
$2000.00 for their selected charities.
Read Jen's story in this Mobile Press Register Article: http://www.al.com/press-register/pageone/monday1d.pdf
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| Pet Night with Santa - Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Pet Night with Santa:
On Dec. 19, 2011, Midway Fire District Chief Jonathan Kanzigg held a special event called “Pet Night with Santa” at the fire station in Gulf Breeze, FL. The local citizenry were invited to bring out their pets to
do a photo shoot with “Santa Claus.” A variety of dogs, ferrets, and other pets were on hand and were greeted by the fire chief and his crew. The Santa Rosa Co. Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit
provided information on county ordinances dealing with pets, what to do with pets during a disaster, and how to care for pets properly. The Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue Team educated the
public on what to do when a person goes missing and the various services that they provide. Two of their Jr. Cadets, Ashley and Emily Coyne brought along one of the team therapy K-9s named “Zeus.” He is
an 11 lb. mini dachshund who works as a therapy dog and is instrumental in the new education program called “Lost…But Found Safe and Sound” that the team takes into the schools in partnership with the
Santa Rosa Co. Sheriff’s Office. They were joined by numerous other vendors who provided pet food samples, grooming services, and general pet care information.
 
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| Tony Stewart - Thursday, December 08, 2011
Tony Stewart Gives the Nod to SWPANSAR
Daphne, AL/Pensacola, FL (September 20, 2011) – Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart evokes several images -- owner of Tony Stewart Racing, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, a highly competitive driver, and a tireless advocate of auto racing in its many forms. And, increasingly, Tony is also well-known as a dedicated philanthropist. Like his racing style, Tony Stewart pushes the limits to help others through his Foundation.
The Tony Stewart Foundation just announced the winners for its “Tony’s Grant Accelerator” competition. SWPANSAR has been selected as 1 of 40 charities from throughout the United States to be known as an Accelerator Charity and receive a monetary grant. More than 300 nominations were reviewed by the foundation and 72 organizations were invited to submit the full grant application.
“We created this competition to uncover terrific charities that are serving children and animals in innovative ways,” remarked Stewart. “The result is a collection of charities – large and small – with a common denominator of having a strong volunteer network and a dedicated staff to deliver programs.”
Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue K9/Emotional First Aid Team is very excited to have received a $5000 grant from the Tony Stewart Foundation. It will be used for the team’s 2012 K9 Search and Rescue Seminar.
For more information about the seminar, please see the team’s website home page at www.swpansar.org.
Since 2004, the Tony Stewart Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in grants to organizations serving children, animals and drivers. Complete information about the foundation plus photos & stories of the 40 Grant Accelerator Charities are available at www.TonyStewartFoundation.org/SpotlightCharities.html .
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| Wesley Weaver - Wednesday, October 26, 2011SWPANSAR was asked to assist in the search for missing 19 yr old hunter in Jackson, AL
We would like to thank everyone who came to look for Wesely Weaver over this past weekend.
The outpour of support from his community and surrounding communities was amazing!
Between the determination of the Sheriff's office, search and rescue groups ,family and friends, he was bound to be found!
Let the town of Jackson be a testament of what can happen when everyone works as one.
We are so glad he is safe and back home with his family!
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| Girl Scouts - Wednesday, October 26, 2011SWPANSAR presents "Lost, but Found, Safe and Sound" program to Girl Scouts
Lost...But Found Safe and Sound. This program educates youth on how to survive in the woods if they become lost. They watch a short video about a 7 yr. old who becomes lost, while camping with her family. She learns to stay in one place, pull a trash bag over her head for warmth and protection, and waits until help arrives. The help in this case is a search anda rescue team with their K-9s. Through this program kids learn about search and rescue, survival, using a whistle as a distress signal, and how to make prints of the soles of their shoes on a piece of tin foil. This becomes a great clue for searchers. They are introduced to search K-9s and also learn how to care for K-9s who are their pets and how to properly approach strange K-9s that they may encounter. Parents are given information on what the children are taught so they can reiterate it at home.
 
  
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| Coast Guard - Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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SWPANSAR was asked to do a Presentation to the Coast Guard
 
Jen Morgan and Lt Matt Mitchell Lt Amanda Henderson and Jen Morgan
SWPANSAR gave a presentation for the new officer in command over the South Alabama Rescue Search and Recovery (SARSAR) group ,
Lt Amanda Henderson. We look forward to working with her in the future.
Covered in the presentation:
Our goals as a search and rescue team
Our search K-9s and their disciplines
Our Emotional First Aid Team and K-9s
The classes we teach in Scent Theory , Lost Person Behavior and Lost Person Strategies.
We wish Lt Matt Mitchell well in his new position in Virginia. You were a great leader of SARSAR and we promise to make you proud!
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| SAFER - Saturday, July 02, 2011
Santa Rosa Preparedness Expo
On June 25, 2011, a disaster preparedness Expo was held in Milton, FL. This was sponsored by SAFER (Support Alliance for Emergency Readiness) the Santa Rosa Co. FL Disaster Team. This was the only
preparedness Expo done in the Panhandle area. Local vendors including the Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue Team had a booth and explained to attendees the 3 components of the team: Search
and Rescue, Emotional First Aid, and Public Education. Information was given on different types of disasters and how this team responds in terms of disasters along the GulfCoast area. Two of the team’s Junior
Cadets were on hand along with team members Michelle Coyne and Cindy Sarver. Emotional First Aid K-9 “Zeus” was there to show people his job on the team and to demonstrate what he does best! CPR
classes were also offered along with a Shelter in Place demonstration at the Expo.
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| SAFER - Saturday, July 02, 2011
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SWPANSAR was invited to Preparedness Expo
On June 25, 2011, a disaster preparedness Expo was held in Milton, FL. This was sponsored by SAFER (Support Alliance for Emergency Readiness) the Santa Rosa Co. FL Disaster Team. This was the only preparedness Expo
done in the Panhandle area. Local vendors including the Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue Team had a booth and explained to attendees the 3 components of the team: Search and Rescue, Emotional First Aid, and
Public Education. Information was given on different types of disasters and how this team responds in terms of disasters along the GulfCoast area. Two of the team’s Junior Cadets were on hand along with team members Michelle
Coyne and Cindy Sarver. Emotional First Aid K-9 “Zeus” was there to show people his job on the team and to demonstrate what he does best! CPR classes were also offered along with a Shelter in Place demonstration at the
Expo.
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| Abbeville, AL Search - Monday, June 20, 2011FBI called on SWPANSAR to organize a Search for missing man in Abbeville, AL
On June 18th and 19th, 2011, SWPANSAR worked alongside the FBI and organized a Multi-Agency search for missing Apolinar Perez "Poli"
21 yr old Poli went missing on Sat May 7th, 2011 after taking a 2 hour break from work.
http://www.wtvy.com/home/headlines/FBI_Requests_Publics_Help_to_Find_Missing_Henry_Co_Man_124036014.html
http://www.wtvy.com/home/headlines/Multi-Agency_Search_for_Apolinar_Perez_124136559.html
A Joint Operations Center,(JOC)was established at Abbeville High School and searching commenced at 630am
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SWPANSAR would like to thank all who participated in the search efforts;
SW Florida K9, First Response Search and Rescue Team, FBI, Rescue Squads, Dive teams, Abbeville Police Dept, Abbeville Sheriffs Office, Houston County Sheriffs
Office Homeland Security Crime Scene Unit Command Center and the volunteers who helped feed us. The outpour of support was touching to say the least.
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| Tuscaloosa, AL - Tuesday, May 24, 2011SWPANSAR was called to aid in the recoveries of the victims of the recent Tuscaloosa, AL Tornado.
The disaster in Tuscaloosa was just that, a DISASTER! Please pray for the families who lost everything they owned and some who lost loved ones.
 
  
  
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| Search for K9s - Tuesday, April 12, 2011SWPANSAR's search for 2 Search and Rescue K9s
SWPANSAR would like to thank the Spanish Fort Police Dept, Daphne Search and Rescue, Marine Police, Fire Depts, News media and all the neighbors that came out to help search for our 2 Search and Rescue K9s who accidently got out when a contractor left gate open. Never in a million years would we of thought we would ever have to be looking for them, but we did and the support from all of above agencies and community was tremendous. We are greatful to say the least! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!
 
http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news/baldwin_county/search-and-rescue-dogs-missing
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| 2012 K9 Seminar - Friday, April 08, 2011
SWPANSAR IS PLANNING ON A K9 SEMINAR IN MARCH 2012
mar 29-Apr 1, 2012
At Bluff Springs Camp Ground in McDavid, FL2 or 251-860855-885(0-
$175.00 per person-$125.00 w/o K9 ($50.00 deposit)
(Limited space-classes will be small)
(Includes lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Call 850-712-6862 or 251-605-0505
Classes include:(ited space-classes will be small)
HRD- Instructors: Pat Totillo & Jen Morgan
Air Scenting- Instructors: Darcy Harbaugh & Janet Geist
Trailing- Instructors-Robert Noziska- US Border Patrol
Man Tracking
Lost Person Strategies & Lost Person Behavior
Registration Form-click here
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| Man Tracking - Thursday, April 07, 2011SWPANSAR was taught Man Tracking by U.S. Border Patrol
Border Partol Agent Robert Noziska spent 3 days with the team instructing them on how to follow and hunt down a person by following their path and signs left behind. The art of Man Tracking, formerly used by the American Indians, helps a search team by reducing the search area they have to work with, when looking for a lost individual. It also assists law enforcement in criminal investigations by establishing a chain of evidence and searches.
Trackers look for clues found in “signs” left behind such as tracks in sides of roads, trails, or dry washes. They look for twigs recently broken, grass areas or leaves that have been stepped on, or footprints left behind. Trackers work as a team relaying information on signs located and utilize compasses and GPS coordinates to hone in on where an individual has gone. Search and Rescue K-9 also play a role in this endeavor.
Jennifer Morgan, the team President stated, "we are thrilled to have had an agent of the US Border Patrol assist our team in learning this unique technique of man tracking, which can help us in locating missing persons.”
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| National K9 Veterans Day - Thursday, March 24, 2011National K9 Veterans Day
This day is a dedication to all working dogs in our communities. The Mayor of Lynn, FL paid tribute to the Sheriff's K9s, Therapy K9s and Search and Rescue K9s,
including a tribute to our beloved "Vision",  who left us way too soon. Each March 13th, local towns people, news media , Police and Sheriff's Department come out to give thanks to those K9s who work to protect , rescue and serve as therapy to those in need.
This year there was a 21 gun Military salute, followed by Taps on a bugle and a man playing bag pipes to "Amazing Grace." It was very touching to see of our communities come out to support these amazing K9s.
http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/honoring_guardians_of_the_night/mbb7728870/
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| Trailing and Tracking Certification Day! - Wednesday, March 16, 2011Congratulations to our newly Nationally certified Tracking and Trailing Team!
Ann Lewis and K9 Belle passed their Tracking ,Trailing and building search Certifications last week with NAPWDA and NOCSAR.
These two organiztions set up trails with several turns on different surfaces to challenge the K9s ability to track and/or trail a victim. There is also a building search to certify in, inwhich the K9 has to track/trail the victim inside a building. Ann and Belle passed with flying colors!!
Passing these tests are not easy and require years of training.
We are so very proud to have them on our team!!
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| Feb 13, 2011 - Monday, February 14, 2011A big thank you to Bentz's Pizza for sponsoring our annual Fundraiser!
Our annual Fund raiser was a Big success! Thank you Bentz's Pizza Pub for sponsoring this annual event!
It was a beautiful day for people to come out and meet our K9s and team. Chili , homemade pizza and sandwiches were sold to raise money for SWPANSAR.
Thank you to all who donated to our team!
 
  
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| Ace Award - Thursday, December 23, 2010AKC ACE AWARD
 
K9 Vision was nominated and awarded the AKC ACE AWARD Honorable Mention in 2009 for search and rescue .
To qualify, the purebred dog must be AKC registered or an AKC
recognized breed and have performed some exemplary act, whether large or seemingly
small that has significantly benefited a community or individual.
Our "Vision" lives to search and we are proud of her!
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| Search for Missing 5 yr old in Citronelle, AL - Tuesday, December 14, 2010Search for Missing 5 yr old Natalie DeBlase in Citronelle, AL
SWPANSAR was contacted by the Mobile, AL. Police Dept to coordinate search for missing Natalie DeBlase in Citronelle, AL. 14 K9s and 33 Nationally certified searchers from N. Baldwin Search and Rescue, Northern Alabama Search Dog Assoc., Search and Rescue of Orange City,FL, GA Piedmont Search and Rescue, First Response and SW FL K9 were brought in along with 60 Police Officers and Fire Fighters. Approximately 1 hour after being deployed in the field, remains were discovered of whom they believe to be Natalie's. We would like to thank each and every person who participated in the search.
Our hearts go out to the family of Natalie.
   
Photo taken by Victor Calhoun
(Mobile Press Register)
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| SWPANSAR Member Certifies in Human Remains - Sunday, December 12, 2010  
SWPANSAR Member has Nationally certified her K9 in Human Remains!!
Congratulations to our newest Nationally certified K9 team, Theresa Burton and K9 "Zeta!". They certified with The National Association with Search and Rescue (NASAR).
Our K9s and handlers put in many hours in the field , attend numerous National seminars ,adhere, train and certify to National standards.
Certifying will now allow this team to be deployed in field on searches. We are proud of our little "Zeta!"
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| Dec 06-,2010 - Monday, December 06, 2010Our President has become a National Human Remains K9 Evaluator
Congratulations to our President Jen Morgan!! She has become a K9 evaluator for Human Remains with the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR).
This will allow her to evaluate Human Remains K9s for Certifications on a National level. We know she will be a great asset to the search and rescue world and are Proud to have her on our team!
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| Oct 23, 2010 - Wednesday, October 27, 2010SWPANSAR JOINED FAMILY DAY OUT IN MILTON, FL
Our K9s were a big hit at the Family Day out event that brought out over 1300 people. It is an annual event sponsored by the Family Law Group. It is designed to be an outreach event to the community.
Our team gave out over 600 stuffed animals and introduced our Emotional First Aid K9s.
   
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| Oct 16, 2010 - Monday, October 18, 2010SWPANSAR attended the annual Home Depot Health and Safety Event
Our Emotional First Aid K9s were introduced to the community and were a BIG hit!!! These K9s are trained to help bring comfort to anyone who is going through grieving processes or is need of emotional first aid. It is proven that the presence of a K9 can bring down human blood pressure reading. Our goal is to get these K9s out to Assisted Living Facility, Alzheimer's Facilities, Nursing homes and the schools to share their unconditional love. We are very Proud of our Emotional First Aid Team K9s!!
 
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| 08-31-10 - Tuesday, August 31, 2010We welcome our newest Reservist Shelly Coyne!
Shelly and her K9 "Zeus" just passed their CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and passed all the appropriate testing to use him as one of our Emotional First Aid K9s. We are excited to have them and know they will bring great comfort to the families and friends of the missing.
 
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| 08-31-10 - Tuesday, August 31, 2010Help SWPANSAR in welcoming our 2 new Jr Cadets!
Ashley Coyne and Emily Coyne
 
Both of these girls are excited to join our team and are looking forward to helping us at our events.
"The Children are our future"
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| 08-31-10 - Tuesday, August 31, 2010Introducing our Emotional First Aid K9s...
Both K9s passed their "CGC" (Canine Good Citizen) test along with all of the testing required for them to join the Emotional First Aid Team.
These K9s will be used to sit with the family and friends of the missing, while we are searching for their loved ones. We understand the impact these K9s will have on the families and are very Proud to introduce them as part of our team!
 
"Shiloh" "Zeus"
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| June 19, 2010 - Sunday, June 20, 2010SWPANSAR RESPONDED TO A CALL OUT FROM THE COAST GUARD FOR ASSISTANCE
SWPANSAR assisted N. Baldwin Sheriff's Search and Rescue and Marine Police in the recovery of a professional bass fisherman from Citronelle, AL.
http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=12678774
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| June 10, 2010 - Monday, June 14, 2010 |
| May 26, 2010 - Friday, May 28, 2010 |
| May 22nd, 2010 - Tuesday, May 25, 2010SWPANSAR WAS JOINED BY 5 OTHER TEAMS ON A SEARCH IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
Over this past weekend 5 Search and Rescue teams which consisted of 16 Nationally Certified K9 teams and 24 Certified Professional searchers assisted SWPANSAR with a search in Jacksonville, FL.
SWPANSAR wants to thank Orange City SAR, SW Florida K9 SAR, First Response SAR, SE K9 SAR and North Central SAR for participating in this search for missing Austin Davis over the weekend.
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| MAY 15, 2010 - Monday, May 17, 2010
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SWPANSAR TRAINS AT FORMER MILTON, FL FIRE DEPT.
On May 15th, the SWPANSAR team worked their K9s at the former City of Milton Fire Department. It was an excellent opportunity to do a search exercise simulating K9s having to locate persons in a structure, in this case an abandoned building.
People go missing in all types of places so it is imperative that we work our K9s in every area possible.
Our thanks and appreciation goes out to the fire department and Chief John Reble for giving us this opportunity to set up scenarios for our K9s to work.
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| April 22, 2010 - Monday, May 17, 2010
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SWPANSAR ACCEPTS GRANT FROM PLUM CREEK
SWPANSAR was awarded a grant by the Plum Creek Foundation to purchase equipment that will help rescuers safely conduct searches for missing persons on land and on water.
Funding from the Plum Creek Foundation will go toward purchase of protective 511 Tactical Jackets to shield K-9 handlers from the elements and increase the safety and efficiency of their search and rescue missions.
We greatly appreciate Plum Creek for helping to assure we are better equipped to face the elements as we assist agencies throughout the Gulf Coast Region with missing person search and rescue operations.
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| SWPANSAR President becomes NASAR evaluator - Monday, March 29, 2010
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SWPANSAR President becomes a K9 evaluator for NASAR!
We are pleased to announce that our president, Jen Morgan, has become a K9 evaluator for the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) K9 SAR Tech III Air Scenting Program! This evaluatorship means that Jen can test K9's from the around the U.S. and make sure that they adhere to NASAR's national standards for certification in Air Scenting. Once certified, the K9's are ready to be deployed in the field for their respective search and rescue team. She was nominated for this K9 evaluatorship and after review from NASAR of her many years of dedication to SAR and certifications with her K9 "Sirius", she was awarded this honor. Giving back to her community by training and working SAR K9s' has been her life's calling and we know she will continue to make us proud by "Paying it Forward" to others who share the same passion.
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| SWPANSAR attends fund raiser in Fairhope - Sunday, March 28, 2010 |
| Theresa Burton passes NASAR SAR TECH II Certification - Tuesday, March 09, 2010
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Theresa Burton passes NASAR SAR TECH II Certification
Theresa Burton, K9 handler for SWPANSAR, passed her NASAR SAR TECH II certification exams with flying colors! The certification tests include a written test and field exams that cover many topics. A searcher must know the fundamentals of search and rescue, SAR incident management and organization as defined by Incident Command System used by local, state, and federal organizations. The searcher must be able to navigate on land and demonstrate the proper use of a compass by completing a land navigation course. A 24 hour pack check is completed to make sure the searcher meets the NASAR requirements for equipment. Search techniques such as closed grid searches must be understood and demonstrated while completing a course looking for clues. Congratulations to Theresa! All SWPANSAR K9 handlers are NASAR certified!
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| NASAR SAR Tech II Training for Certification - Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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SWPANSAR participate in NASAR SAR TECH II training exercise
SWPANSAR team members participate in a NASAR SAR Tech II training exercise in Pensacola, FL. The weekend classes are intended to prepare students for the upcoming NASAR SAR Tech II certification tests. While most of our members are already NASAR SAR Tech II, we are glad to participate and assist the students.
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| Nancy Locke presents Certificate of Appreciation to Sheriff Hall - Monday, January 25, 2010
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Nancy Locke presents Certificate of Appreciation to Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
Nancy Locke of SWPANSAR (Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue) presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Sheriff Wendell Hall of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office for their support of our team. Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office donated a boat, motor and trailer for our training use. The boat will be critical for training Human Remains Detection K9's on the water. The impact of the donation will go beyond our team as it will also allow us to participate in the development and testing of national standards for HRD Water testing. The department also donated radios, which are greatly needed, and bullet resistant vests to add to our safety equipment. We look forward to working with Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office and truly appreciate their support. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office website is located at www.santarosasheriff.org.
Pictured from left to right: Nancy Locke, Sheriff Wendell Hall, Cindy Sarver
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| SWPANSAR presents at SARSAR conference in Mobile - Monday, January 11, 2010
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SWPANSAR presents at SARSAR conference in Mobile
SWPANSAR appreciated the opportunity to present at the SARSAR Conference in Mobile on Monday, January 11th. SARSAR stands for South Alabama Rescue Search and Recovery. The organization was formed to bring rescue organizations together as a forum for learning and an opportunity for all of the organizations to understand each other's capabilities. The meetings are currently being run by the U.S. Coast Guard. The conferences have been successful and well attended by such organizations as: Alabama Marine Police, Alabama State Police, Civil Air Patrol, Daphne Search and Rescue, Escambia Search and Rescue, Mobile County EMA, Mobile County Health Department, Mobile Fire and Rescue, Mobile Sheriff's Office, North Baldwin Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, SWPANSAR, and the U.S. Coast Guard. We presented our team's services and goals, the dispatch process, our K9 disciplines, an excerpt from our Lost Person Beavior class, and some of the things we are looking forward to in 2010.
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| Sirius receives NAPWDA, NASAR, and NSDA certifications - Friday, January 08, 2010
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Sirius receives NAPWDA, NASAR, and NSDA Air Scent certifications
SWPANSAR K9 team (Jen Morgan and Sirius) received NASAR SAR Tech II K9 Air Scent certification and NSDA Area Search certification on January 7th. Sirius had previously certified through NASAR SAR Tech III Air Scent but was able to acheive the next level of certification by passing a more difficult test. They also received NAPWDA Area Search certification on January 8th. The tests vary in specifics but each requires the K9 to locate a missing person in the wilderness and to indicate the find to the handler. The K9 continues to recall and refind until the handler reaches the missing person. It is really quite an accomplishment to certify a K9 team through three national ogranizations. We are proud of Jen and Sirius!
  
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| SWPANSAR learns from US Border Patrol K9 Master Trainer - Wednesday, January 06, 2010
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SWPANSAR K9 handlers attend workshop by U.S. Border Patrol K9 Master Trainer
SWPANSAR K9 handlers attended a 3-day certification and evaluation workshop with Robert Noziska, a U.S. Border Patrol K9 master trainer. The workshop was an excellent opportunity to bring in a trained eye to evaluate our K9's. Information and ideas were exchanged while developing education plans and goals for each SWPANSAR K9. Jen Morgan, Laurie Strite, and Theresa Burton found the workshop to be extremely valuable as each K9 continues to develop. In the pictures below, Robert Noziska shares training tips with Jen Morgan and Sirius and then Jen and Vision.
 
This workshop would not have been possible without the support of Homewood Suites (Daphne), Blakely State Park, Richard and Rita Higbee, Original Oyster House (causeway), and Beef O'Brady's (Spanish Fort) and of course the U.S. Border Patrol.
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| SWPANSAR K9 handlers attend NOCDS seminar - Friday, October 16, 2009
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SWPANSAR K9 handlers attend NOCDS seminar
SWPANSAR K9 handlers attended the Network of Canine Detection Services (NOCDS) Seminar from 10/10/09 to 10/16/09. The seminar was held in Wall Doxey State Park in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Seminars are important for both the handlers and the K9's as nationally certified instructors teach the latest in K9 search and rescue training methods. Jen Morgan and K9 Vision worked in the advanced HRD class simulating cases where human remains dogs are required. Theresa Burton and K9 Zeta attended their first HRD seminar where they were a brilliant new team. Laurie Strite and K9 Nova worked in the trailing classes which culminated in a mock search for an elderly person that went missing from an assisted care facility. This training is vital to the continued development of each handler and K9 team.
Pictured above: Theresa Burton, Laurie Strite, Jen Morgan
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| SWPANSAR participates in Pensacola Naval Air Station Fire and Saftey Program - Tuesday, October 13, 2009
SWPANSAR participates in Pensacola Naval Air Station Fire and Safety Program
On October 13th, SWPANSAR participated in the first annual Pensacola Naval Air Station Fire and Safety Awareness Program. It was held at Cory Station Sports Complex in Pensacola and was a great opportunity for us to showcase two of our K9s. They were the hit of the show as military personnel from the base and their families circulated among the many booths. As is always the case, the children are drawn like magnets to the K9s, even when they have real fire engines to play with.
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| Welcome back, Charles! - Monday, August 31, 2009
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Welcome back, Charles!
SWPANSAR would like to acknowledge Charles Langley on his recent graduation from the University of South Alabama's CardioRespiratory Program. We are very proud of his long dedication to his degree and desire to care for others. The team would also like to congratulate, Charles and his wife, Lizzy, on their recent marriage this past August. We wish you many years of happiness as you begin your journey together. Charles is an invaluable resource to the team with his outdoorsman experience and navigation skills. We are excited to have him back as an active member of the SWPANSAR team.
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| Search continues in Panama City for Missing Boater - Monday, August 17, 2009 |
| Meet the newest SWPANSAR K9 - Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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Meet the newest SWPANSAR K9
SWPANSAR is proud to announce the addition of K9 Shiloh to our team. Shiloh is a Vizsla. He made the trip from Chenowith Farm outside of Chicago, Illinois to join the team as Nancy Locke's K9 partner. Shiloh is in training as a therapy dog and will be a welcome addition to our Emotional First Aid Team.
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| SWPANSAR visits Shepherd's Place in Fairhope, AL - Thursday, August 06, 2009
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SWPANSAR visits Shepherd's Place in Fairhope, AL
SWPANSAR team members including Nancy Locke, Jen Morgan, K9 Sirius, Laurie Strite, and K9 Nova visited Shepherd's Place in Fairhope, AL. Shepherd's Place is a supervised senior day care facility that allows caregivers and loved ones to run errands, take a break, or tend to other duties. The visit was an excellent opportunity to expose the K9's to the elderly and for our team to introduce ourselves. K9 Sirius and K9 Nova were more than willing to demonstrate their obedience and search skills while the audience was more than willing to share their love and pet the K9s!
 
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| SWPANSAR asked to assist in search for Charles Hard in Pensacola, FL - Monday, August 03, 2009 |
| Carolyn Whitman donates time to make K9 cooling vests - Friday, June 26, 2009
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Carolyn Whitman donates time to make K9 cooling vests
Carolyn Whitman of Orange Beach, AL donated her time to make K9 cooling vests. The vests hold ice packs which enable the K9's to work in the heat. The K9 cooling vests become an absolute necessity when the temperature and humidity soar. We will always appreciate Carolyn's hard work each time we suit up our K9's.
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| SWPANSAR meets the public at the Pensacola Hurricane Expo - Saturday, June 20, 2009
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SWPANSAR meets the public at the Pensacola Hurricane Expo
The SWPANSAR team was available on Saturday, June 20th at the Pensacolsa Civic Center Hurricane Exposition to answer questions about our team and the K9's used for search and rescue. Nova (picture on the left) lies down so a toddler can approach and meet her.
Jen and Laurie take a moment with Luna and Nova (picture on the right).
We know the reflective strips on the dogs vest will work at night!
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| SWPANSAR receives donation from CPO organization - Saturday, June 13, 2009
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SWPANSAR receives donation from CPO organization
The US Navy Recruiting School is stationed at Pensacola Naval Air Station and the Chief Petty Officers who instruct at the school have an organization (NORU CPO PT) which raises funds for local charities. At a dinner given by the Chiefs, SWPANSAR can be seen thanking the organization for their very generous gift to SWPANSAR.
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| Teamwork with Georgia Piedmont - Sunday, June 07, 2009
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Teamwork with Georgia Piedmont K9 Search and Rescue
It was a good week as SWPANSAR was able to work with Georgia Piedmont Region K9 Search and Rescue Team. We were also able to use our newly outfitted mobile command center in the continuing search for Austin Davis. Austin went missing in June of 2007 in Jacksonville, FL and we continue to search new areas in hopes of finding clues to Austin's disappearance.
Zeta, our up and coming Aussie, accompanied the team to Jacksonville gaining experience in travelling and in being in a search atmosphere.
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| SWPANSAR welcomes newest member - Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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SWPANSAR welcomes newest member
SWPANSAR is proud to announce Cindy Sarver as its newest member. Cindy has over 10 years experience in law enforcement and has experience with many organizations. She will be a welcome addition as she heads up our research on the lost person behavior of Alzheimer patients and how the team can be more effective during searches for these patients.
Welcome aboard!
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| Fairhope Lions Club provides a warm welcome to SWPANSAR - Monday, May 25, 2009
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Fairhope Lions Club provides a warm welcome to SWPANSAR
SWPANSAR had the wonderful opportunity to speak at the Fairhope Lion's Club meeting about the use of K-9's in Search and Rescue and about Emotional First Aid during a search. Nancy Locke and Jen Morgan were thrilled to meet the members and answer many questions about our team, our K9's and about emotional first aid.
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| SWPANSAR at Heritage Day in Foley - Saturday, May 16, 2009
SWPANSAR at Heritage Day in Foley
SWPANSAR had a booth at Heritage Day on Saturday, May 16th in downtown Foley to bring awareness to search and rescue and for the puiblic to learn more about search and rescue K-9's.
Nancy, Jen and Sirius having a laugh at Heritage Day.
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| SWPANSAR participates in Earth Day at Fairhope Pier - Saturday, April 25, 2009
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SWPANSAR participates in Earth Day at Fairhope Pier
Earth Day was a chance for the community to come out and meet our team! The K9's performed two demos and greeted everyone at our booth.
 
For Earth Day, SWPANSAR handed out a packet of sunflower seeds to anyone who visited our booth. The packet was titled 'The Seed of Hope' and could be planted in memory of those who are still missing.
 
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| Escambia County Sheriff's Office still searching for missing man - Friday, April 24, 2009 |
| Searchers looking for missing Silverhill man - Tuesday, April 14, 2009 |
| SWPANSAR bi-annual fund raiser at Eastern Shore Centre in Daphne - Saturday, April 11, 2009
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SWPANSAR bi-annual fund raiser at Eastern Shore Centre in Daphne
Belk annual charity day sale is our primary fund raiser. We are a non-profit organization that does not receive city, state, or local funding. We are volunteers that provide search and rescue services to law enofrcement of the surrounding communities at no cost. We do not use solicitation companies. This fund raiser is our way of raising money to offset the expenses of searches and training/certifying our K9's to national standards. We thank Belk for the opportunity to raise money for our organization!
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| Police continue search for Nadia Kersh in Homewood, AL - Friday, April 03, 2009 |
| SWPANSAR welcomes newest member - Thursday, February 26, 2009
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SWPANSAR welcomes newest member
Shelby Burton is our new Junior Cadet member. Shelby is a big help at team practices, meetings and fund raisers.
Welcome aboard!
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| K9's key in locating missing person - Monday, January 26, 2009
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K9's key in locating missing person
This article outlines how K9's can be effective in cases such as that of Colin Hale, a missing Alzheimer patient. SWPANSAR also assisted in another case last year in Walton County. The article can be found at:
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| Missing person located in Walton County - Saturday, January 24, 2009 |
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