Indiana-based disaster search dogs | Training and responding | Tornadoes, floods, fires and building collapse.
Indiana-based disaster search dogs | Training and responding | Tornadoes, floods, fires and building collapse.
Friends of Indiana Disaster Search Dogs, Inc. (Friends) was formed in 2012 as a citizen-based, non-government-related arm of the canine division of Indiana Task Force 1—one of 28 urban search and rescue teams in the U.S. Friends is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our handlers are part of INTF-1, acting under the authority of the Federal
Friends of Indiana Disaster Search Dogs, Inc. (Friends) was formed in 2012 as a citizen-based, non-government-related arm of the canine division of Indiana Task Force 1—one of 28 urban search and rescue teams in the U.S. Friends is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our handlers are part of INTF-1, acting under the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The picture above is from our first organizational meeting in Indianapolis, 2013.
Our roster of handlers comes from Indiana and four surrounding states.
We provide assistance and support for FEMA disaster-certified search dogs; disaster search dogs in training for FEMA certification; and Human Remains Detection (HRD) dogs and their
handlers. We provide an invaluable resource for the community by promoting professional advancement of
search and rescue skills.
To support and maintain the state of Indiana’s five-decade legacy of using canines to aid in the location,
rescue, or recovery of victims at calamities both natural and manmade.
We have a mix of experienced search dog handlers, representing some of the best-of-the-best in the profession, along with newcomers working toward
certification for themselves and their search dogs.
9/11 Terrorism Attacks, 2001 in New York City. Search handlers Tony Z (central Indiana) and Marti V (Southwest Indiana) had their dogs Kaiser, left, and Polly, right working the rubble of the World Trade Center.
Hurricane Ian, 2022 in Southwest Florida. Canines Nike, Orion and Guinness joined 48 members of #INTF1 on their deployment in support of Hurricane Ian. Photos courtesy of INTF-1.
Flooding, 2021 in Eastern Kentucky. Photos courtesy INTF-1
Hurricane Katrina, 2005 in Biloxi, MS. Photo of handler Janalee G. courtesy of Indianapolis Star.
Hurricane Florence, 2018, Carolinas. K-9 Orion relaxes with handler Deanna L. as they travel to the east coast.
Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse, 2012, Indianapolis.
INTF-1 handlers lead yearly training at Muscatatuck, most recently in June 2023.
Our trainees are put through their paces at sites like Muscatatuck. Pups in training get crucial experience working in simulated rubble. Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Indiana.
Lots of hats: Members of Indiana Task Force 1 are also on Friends of Indiana Disaster Search Dogs, the nonprofit arm.