K9 Wilderness Area & HRD Team

The Tonto Rim Search & Rescue (TRSAR) Wilderness Area and Human Remains Detection (HRD) K9 team specializes in locating individuals in various environments and situations. TRSAR Wilderness Area and HRD SAR K9 team provide comprehensive search and rescue capabilities, addressing both recovery and rescue needs.

 Our dedication and specialized skills are invaluable in saving lives and recovering lost loved ones.  This team is crucial for bringing closure to families and assisting law enforcement in recovery efforts.

 What We Do:

• Specialized Scent Detection: HRD K9s are trained to detect the specific scent of human decomposition. Our K9s can locate remains that are buried, submerged, or scattered, even in advanced stages of decomposition. The dogs can pinpoint the location of remains, which may be difficult or impossible for humans to detect. This capability is essential for accurate and efficient recovery operations.
• Scent Detection and Search Techniques: Wilderness K9s use air-scenting techniques to locate people based on their unique human scent. They work off-leash in large, open areas, covering ground more efficiently than human searchers.
• Adaptability to Terrain and Conditions: HRD team works in urban and wilderness scenarios. We assist in situations such as natural disasters, crime scenes, and accidental deaths. These K9s are trained to operate in forests, mountains, deserts, water, and other challenging landscapes.
• Team Coordination: The handler works closely with the K9 to interpret their signals and ensure thorough coverage of the search area. HRD teams often collaborate with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other SAR units.
• Life-Saving Responses: Once the K9 locates a missing person, they alert the handler using a trained behavior, such as barking, returning to the handler and leading them back, or performing a sit or down position at the location. Wilderness K9 teams are often the first line of response in finding hikers, campers, or hunters who have become lost.
• Endurance and Stamina: Both the K9 and handler must be physically fit to navigate difficult terrain and spend extended periods searching.

Requirements & Skills Needed:

Training and Certification: The handler and K9 must earn certification as a team from NASAR (National Association for Search and Rescue) as well as meet the requirements in the Arizona Search and Rescue Coordinators Association (ASARCA) task books in their specific canine discipline.

• Physical Fitness: Both handler and K9 must be physically fit to handle demanding terrains and conditions. This includes hiking, climbing, and spending long hours in the field.
• K9 Suitability: The dog must have the right temperament, physical health, and drive for search and detection work.
• Training and Certification: Both the handler and the K9 need certifications from recognized SAR organizations (e.g., NASAR). Training programs cover scent detection, obedience, search techniques, and mission readiness.
• Equipment: Handlers must invest in appropriate gear for themselves and their K9, including leashes, GPS collars, harnesses, and first aid supplies.
• Time for Training and Missions: Weekly training sessions and availability for on-call missions are essential. Many handlers dedicate hundreds of hours annually.
• Resilience and Emotional Strength: Especially for HRD handlers, missions can involve emotionally difficult recoveries. The ability to remain focused and professional is critical.

To Learn More:

If you are passionate about canyon rescue, possess the necessary skills and training, and are committed to making a difference in your community, we welcome you to join our Wilderness Area / HRD Team.  Please consider attending a TRSAR General Meeting held the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Payson Library.