Search And Rescue Dogs Trained At Local Center

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

By Ruthanne Gordon
WISH TV - Indianapolis

Search and rescue dogs are valuable resources in time of tragedy. They are used around the world when disaster strikes. One of the nation's training centers is located at Camp Atterbury.

Imagine if you were trapped under rubble. It could be a search and rescue dog like Keiley who saves your life.

We all know important response is if somebody is in rubble they're going to last less than 72 hours if they are there and need help," Indiana Homeland Security director Eric Dietz said.

Search and rescue dogs were put thru the paces Saturday, showcasing techniques taught at our state's training center.

"This gives them a place to come to get good training, get good direction and when to progress the dogs and to get them to the level they need to be at to be able to find someone," Lillian Hardy, manager of the search and rescue center.

The center was built back in 1990. Hundreds of dogs have been trained here not only from Indiana but other states as well.

"52 or 53 out of the dog teams that responded to Oklahoma City bombing trained here," Col. Barry Richmond with the Indiana National Guard said.

Most training centers around the country are privately owned, but this one is owned by the state, and shared by the military.

"It's remarkable site, its a remarkable partnership. To have the facility on the base simply reinforces the mission of the Indiana National Guard and the National Guard anywhere," Col. Richmond said.

The partnership is unique, but the mission is search and rescue.

As long as Keiley has a place like this to train, she'll be ready.

Homeland Security Director Eric Dietz would like to add a mock airplane crash site. He also wants a building to enhance dog training