In 2014, Ivan, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois, graduated from the SDF training program and partnered with Lieutenant Kristi Bartlett of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia. In April 2015, Kristi and Ivan received their FEMA Certification, making them one of only two FEMA Task Forces in the United States that are equipped to respond to international disaster zones.
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Archie and his handler, Samantha Wilkins, are members of the Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Nebraska Task Force 1. Archie was recruited from Next Step Service Dogs when the Program Director noticed all of the energy and drive he had, and knew that the National Search Dog Foundation (SDF) would be the place for him. Archie joins Samantha and her dog, Melody, at his new home and enjoys going on walks and playing ball. Since Archie’s recruitment, he has graduated training and is working with Savannah to become certified so they can deploy and work with their task force.
Leslie and her handler, Erik Falkenstrom, are members of the California Task Force 4. Leslie was donated to SDF by Kaiser K9 in Catonsville, MD. She was initially too young to join the SDF Training Program, so she was fostered by the Darling Family and the Tisdale Family. Leslie and Erik are currently working with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.
Echo and his handler, Brook Rowley, are currently in training to become officially certified. After certification, they will join the New York Task Force 2, which Brook has been a member of for two years. Echo was rescued from a shelter in Menands, New York after originally being surrendered to a shelter in Tennessee as an active and playful pup. Echo was rescued from NY after seeing his high potential for the search and rescue field.
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Taylor, a Yellow Lab, was rescued from the Aberdeen Area Humane Society at two-years-old and recruited for the SDF Training Program in California. After she graduated, Taylor partnered with Paramedic/Logistics Specialist Trevor Lawrence of Utah Task Force 1. The pair bonded quickly and received their FEMA Certification in 2014. The team focuses on missing persons cases in the Salt Lake City area.
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In 2014, Ivan, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois, graduated from the SDF training program and partnered with Lieutenant Kristi Bartlett of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia. In April 2015, Kristi and Ivan received their FEMA Certification, making them one of only two FEMA Task Forces in the United States that are equipped to respond to international disaster zones.
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Arc Aspicio sponsored firefighter Jeff Leon of the Tulsa Fire Department and canine Justice, a beautiful Golden / Labrador Retriever mix who was rescued from an animal shelter in California. She began her training with SDF on September 11, 2010. In June 2011, Justice met her trainer Jeff and it was clear that the two shared similar personality traits and made an excellent team. Jeff and Justice retired from the program in 2016.
Lexi is a sweet and excitable black lab found at the Humane Society of the Blacks Hills, South Dakota. Two SDF recruiters picked up on her potential due to her limitless energy. Lexi easily passed her formal evaluation in California and has performed beautifully as she is placed in more challenging scenarios. One of the star students in the Canine Class of 2019, Lexi’s trainers say she is as great on the rubble pile as she is loving and good natured. We look forward to Lexi’s expected graduation in December 2019!
Skylar, Arc Aspicio’s last search dog, was not able to complete training due to lumbosacral stenosis, which would have likely caused her discomfort and early retirement. Fortunately, part of SDF’s mission is finding new homes for dogs that are unable to complete their program. Skylar is being given lots of love and attention at her “fur-ever home” with her new owners!
Arc Aspicio sponsored search team John Stewart and Lani of Saratoga Springs, New York. The entire company first met them when they attended our 2010 Spring Celebration that raised awareness and money for the organization. John, a firefighter who also works for two ambulance squads, brings Lani, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, to work with him when they are not on a search deployment. The pair attained Basic Certification in June 2006. A few days later, they deployed to assist with rescue efforts at the scene of a flood in central New York. Read about John and Lani's efforts in response to Hurricane Sandy. John and Lani retired from the program in 2012.
Golden Retriever Charlie and his partner, Chris, joined the Arc Aspicio family as a search dog team. Charlie graduated from SDF’s training program in May 2016 and initially partnered with Chris as members of the New York Task Force 2 based in Albany. Charlie was later paired with Marc Valentine. In February 2020, Charlie passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Charlie continues to be honored at SDF’s Canine Memorial at the National Training Center. Arc Aspicio is proud to have sponsored such a dedicated and lovable pup.
Arc Aspicio sponsored firefighter Eric Darling of the Ridley Park Fire Department and his canine Ben, a big Black Labrador. Ben crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in 2021. The pair had achieved FEMA Re-Certification in 2014. Eric and Ben successfully deployed to five missing person’s sites since they were paired in June 2010. Ben’s unbelievable drive and trainability propelled him through formal training, and he was famous for his excitement to go searching. We are grateful for Eric and Ben’s service.
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