By Tim Schmidt Record Managing Editor When the Canine Search and Rescue Association is deployed to an emergency call, it’s another tool other responders can depend on in the time of need. Having …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Attention subscribers
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue
Need an account?
Print and web subscribers
If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
Online-only subscribers
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
GPS collars donated to local canine search team
Posted
By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorWhen the Canine Search and Rescue Association is deployed to an emergency call, it’s another tool other responders can depend on in the time of need.Having the proper equipment available also is crucial.Last month, the local group received two GPS collars donated from Dogs on Duty, a nonprofit organization that supports working and service dogs.The donated collars will help handlers know what area their dogs have covered and provide coordinates if a missing person is found that easily can be relayed to other emergency personnel.“This gives us a record of where they have been and covered, or if maybe they missed a spot,” said Marthasville resident Glenda Eichmeyer, who is a volunteer with Canine Search and Rescue Association.A nonprofit organization, Canine Search and Rescue Association consists of volunteers who provide certified K-9 and field support teams for missing person searches to law enforcement and other agencies at no charge.The group has been in existence for the past four to five years and has over 45 years of experience with more than 2,600 hours of instruction in search and rescue training.Volunteers primarily respond when needed to emergency calls in east-central Missouri. This year in Warren County, the group has assisted in three incidents where a person was reported missing but later found. Team members are certified in a variety of areas, such as first aid and haz-mat awareness.The Canine Search and Rescue Association is affiliated with the Warrenton Fire Protection District though it is a self-funded group supported only by donations. All expenses encountered during a search and rescue mission are covered by the organization.“We do it because we love it,” Eichmeyer said.That is why the recent donation from Dogs on Duty was so appreciated. One GPS collar can cost up to $700, said Eichmeyer. The need was there, but the funds were not.“As a team, we probably would not have bought one,” she said. “It was too expensive.”Dogs on Duty has been supportive of local agencies in the past. The Canine Search and Rescue Association received four cooling vests for their dogs and a vest was provided to the Wright City Police Department for their police dog.For more information on the Canine Search and Rescue Association, visit www.searchk9team.org.
A member of the Canine Search and Rescue Association provides a scent to their dog during a rescue call.Submitted photo.
