Meet The Team
K-9: Ace 9 year old, German Shorthair Pointer Handler: Deb Russell
Ace is certified in Basic Area and Wilderness SAR. Is training for building searches, collapsed structure and water recovery. Will locate both live and deceased victims. Ace has been a member of the S.A.R. team since February of 2002. His Aunt is a drug dog at the airport in New Orleans, LA. Ace is very active and has never met another dog that he doesn’t like. He loves to retrieve and play with his toys. Ace also lives with 8 other dogs, assorted birds and cats.
After the tornado on April 2,2006 Ace searched a collapsed mobile home in Riverton Illinois. A person was not located in the home. Ace worked in conjunction with other K-9′s on the team and other area agencies on his first real water search at Hidden Valley Lake on May 28, 2006.
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K9:Gunther, 13 year old German Shepherd Handler: Gina Bishop
Gunther is a German Shepherd Dog from European working lines. He has been a member of the Sangamon County Rescue Squad K9 Team since the day he was born. Gunther lives with his handler, Gina, and her husband, Mike, who is also a member of the Sangamon County Rescue Squad. Gunther has a brother, Axel, who is also on the K-9 Unit and a new sister, Anya, a future member of the team.
Gunther is certified in Basic Area and Advanced Area S.A.R. and has worked several searches. He responds to German commands and continues training on a weekly basis for re-certification. In addition to air scenting, Gunther is trained for cadaver detection, urban search and rescue, and disaster situations, including searching rubble and debris for survivors in the aftermath of a tornado. He is deliberate and methodical in his searching style. It is important to note that the foundation of all SAR training is obedience. Gunther has had basic obedience training in which he earned an “Obedient Dog” certificate as well as the Canine Good Citizen designation from the American Kennel Club.
Gunther is a loyal and friendly dog who loves to work. He enjoys participating in public awareness demonstrations given by the K9 Unit. When he is not training he likes to play ball and chew on his bone.