K-9 Search and Rescue
Marco Donna
Photos are property of Sangamon County Rescue Squad
The K-9 SAR Unit consists of 14 certified Search and Rescue dog/handler teams. Marco, a male German Shepherd Dog from former Czechoslovakia, joined the squad in January 1996. Marco is trained in Air Scenting, Article Search, Tracking and Water Search.
In October of 1996, the team was expanded when Donna was imported from the Netherlands. Donna came to us with a Tracking Certificate and has also been trained in Air Scenting and Article Search. She has since become very successful at Water Search. Together, Marco and Donna made a great team. Between them, they have several “finds” both on land and water. In August of 1999, Marco made his first “live find” and the team was very excited.
Marco and Donna have teamed up in another way too. In July of 1997, Donna
gave birth to a litter of 11 pups. Ten of those pups now hold an Advanced Certification in SAR; the eleventh pup is being trained for certification
through the United States Police Canine Association.
The training continues with the K-9 team meeting as a group every Tuesday night. The dogs are beginning to specialize in different areas as each K-9 discovers its talents. We look for each dog’s strengths and concentrate on developing those skills. Our members’ work several times a week with their K-9 partners to fine-tune each skill set.
Contact Information
Our K-9 Unit is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are available for mutual aid with other Counties, States through the Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) at: 217-747-5102 or the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office at: 217-753-6666. We are also available for demonstrations and presentations for schools or other groups.
For information on the K-9 team or to schedule a demonstration, presentation, or any other questions, contact Bill Russell Jr. at the Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Monday-Friday from 8:00a.m. To 4:30p.m. (Central time) at: 217-747-5102 or Email.