So here we are 2 days before the Conference will begin. Our team has really pulled together to make this happen. What an amazing group of individuals.

           We will have a Canine Day on Friday May 20th. One of our canine workshops will include Canine Air Scenting presented by Robin Habeger, a NASAR Evaluator for area search, trailing and HRD.  Robin’s NASAR certifications include Area Search I, HRD III, MLPI and is a SARTech II. Robin has participated in specialized training for the recovery of historic human remains, disaster training at Disaster City in Texas and trained with the kennel master at OFFUT Air Force Base in Omaha NE. She has also founded and is the Executive Director of the Paws of Life Foundation, which is dedicated to the education of SAR K9 handlers and the placement of quality working dogs. 

          The K-9 disaster class will be taught by Bill Simmes and Greg Gould, both Fire Protection Specialists with the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Bill Simmes currently works with the Special Services Bureau.  Within the Special Services Bureau, Bill is assigned to technical rescue course development and delivery throughout the state and is a member of New York Task Force 2 Search and Rescue Team. Bill and his K-9 partner Bonnie serve as part of a 4 man/partner team within the Special Services Bureau.  Bonnie is a 7 year old Yellow Labrador.  She specializes in Search and Rescue of live victims. Greg Gould currently works jointly between the Fire Services Bureau and the Special Services Bureau.  Within the Fire Services Bureau, Greg is the Albany County representative working closely with all fire departments within the county.  Greg and his K-9 partner Kura serve as part of a 4 man/partner team within the Special Services Bureau.  Kura is a 8 year old Yellow Labrador and Golden Retriever mix.  She specializes in Search and Rescue of live victims.

           Other trainers will include Matthew Zarella, IPDWA Master Trainer, specializing in HRD, and Roger Reardon, IPDWA Master Trainer demonstrating Tracking and Trailing.

           On Saturday May 22nd, we will have a SAR Skills day which includes workshops on GPS, Communication, Land Navigation, Map and Compass, Fire Building, Shelter Construction, Man-tracking, and more.

           Concluding our conference on Sunday May 23rd, we will have "A Full Scale Exercise" that will apply techniques and skills from our Canine and SAR workshops.