Visit from the DFES Commissioner

We were lucky enough to have a visit from the Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Commissioner himself, Wayne Gregson and also our District Officer Kate Parkey, at Sunday's training session. We had cool conditions and all the search dogs, both area and scent-specific tracking were loving our training exercises.

WA Canine Section Annual Training Weekend- Donnybrook

Members of the Canine Section came together for a 3 day weekend of training in the south west of WA. This gave us all the opportunity to do some intensive training in a new environment whilst giving both handlers and dogs time for bonding and refining our search skills. 

We had a variety of training exercises including clearing and tracking through extensive paddocks, woodland and bushland. We also enjoyed searching in and around a large body of water. 

A very special thank you to Spearwood Valley Cottages for their excellent hospitality and to all who made this weekend possible. Thanks also to Bayswater Unit for lending us a 4WD and to our District Officer, Chris.

Click here for more photos.

Search in Morangup

Two Canine Section dog teams were deployed to a search in the Avon Valley today. Search teams Chris and area search dog Piper and; Leonie, navigator Ashleigh and area search dog Jemma attended the search for a missing 44 year old man in Morangup. 

We are pleased to report the man was found just after 11am today after being missing since 1am on Sunday. 

Thank you to the efforts of all involved.

Courtesy of WA Today
 http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/missing-perth-hills-man-wayne-michael-nott-found-20140708-zszv2.html

Courtesy of Nine News Perth
 http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/morangup-man-wayne-michael-nott-found-safe-and-well/story-fnhocxo3-1226981532372?nk=0dfdc1e9e44ce895e455bf580cbfb287

The SES Canine Section welcomes the upgrade of two area search teams

On Sunday 15th June, the SES Canine Section welcomed the upgrade of two area search teams: Chris and Kelpie, 'Piper' and Stephanie and Labrador cross 'Karma'; both passed their upgrade assessment to become full search dog handlers. 

A special thank you to George from the WA Police Dog Squad and also Ian from the K9 Section, for overseeing the assessments; our DFES District Manager Chris; members from Swan and Bayswater SES units (Shelly, Jo, Darren, Kevin, Savella, Angelo and Clayton) who were 'dog's bodies' and also members of the Canine Section. 

Well done to Chris and Stephanie for all your efforts and thank you once again to all who were involved in making these assessments possible.

RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2014

Members of the Canine Section as well as thousands of others (human and dog kind) braved the weather at the RSPCA Million Paws Walk in South Perth. After the 5 kilometre walk we then met at the main stage where we had an interview with Channel Ten Weather Reporter, Michael Schultz, to talk a little bit about the Canine Section. It was a great way for both handlers and dogs to get out in the community, socialize and to meet others. A great day had by all!

Canine Section Manager attends Management Meeting

10/5/14

Leonie represented the Canine Section at the Managers Meeting on Saturday at the Emergency Services Complex. A good time for networking and catching up on what's been happening with other units around WA.

Visit from our District Officer

27th April, 2014

At our weekly training we had a visit from District Officer Chris Hudson.It was so great to meet our new DO and the next time he visits we will make sure to make him hide in the bush for the dogs to find! 

From left to right: Steph & Karma, Ashleigh & Radan, Ian & Sam, Chris, Leonie & Jemma, Rosie & Atlas and; Josh & Keiser.