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Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter First Quarter 2011 Volume 1 Number 1
Inside This Issue:
Recent Events 2 Training Opportunities Upcoming Events 3 Training Tip: “Cueing” 4 In the Doghouse 4 Ready Resource 4 Did You Know… 4
Featured Member 5
Featured Volunteer 5
Featured Supporter 5
K9 Health 6
In Memoriam 6
What Dogs See 7
Things to Learn From a Dog 7 Photo Album 8
A Heartfelt Thanks 10
__________________
Join Us Today!
Fire K9.org membership dues are now due for 2011.
Don’t miss out on the upcoming trainings, annual conference, certification, referrals, medical and K9 legal updates, quarterly newsletter, educational scholarships, insurance and equipment discounts, and more.
Independent K9 Accelerant Detection teams may apply for Active Membership.
All others may apply as Associate Members.
Both levels require referral from a current Fire K9.org member.
Click on the Membership tab on our home page at www.firek9.org or call us at (707) 480-1935.
.
Happy New Year to everyone. With the New Year comes opportunity for training
and growth for Fire K9.org. We have this year’s conference in September as well as three quarterly trainings planned. We also have secured booths in the Fire House World Show in San Diego, and the IAAI Annual Conference in Las Vegas. These are exciting times for our association because we have lots of potential for growth. We need to seek out other ADC handlers and invite them to join our organization.
Firek9.org needs you!! I am requesting that each member find one new Fire K9 handler to join us. I have challenged myself to a goal to double the number of teams that will be testing at our conference in September. We had eight teams at our first conference so that would mean sixteen teams this year. I think we could do it if we all work hard and reach out and extend an invitation to handlers who would benefit from the great training and educational opportunities Fire K9.org has to offer. We also want to encourage other K9 handlers, corporate sponsors, breeders, trainers, boarders and suppliers to join as Associate Members. If you know someone who is interested or would like to support us, please have them contact Veronica or myself
at [email protected]. Best regards, Troy
Introducing Fire K9.org’s 2010 Certified K9 Teams
Fire K9.org is a nonprofit public benefit 501(c)(3) CA corporation founded in 2009 to support, train, and promote the use of certified independent canine accelerant detection teams on an international level. The organization is funded solely by member dues and donations.
President’s Message: From Troy Morrison
Congratulations to the Fire K9.org K9 Accelerant Detection Teams certified through double blind testing on October 8, 2010 in San Diego, CA. From L to R: Mark Campbell and K9 Bandit (Denver, CO), Veronica Barclay & K9 Bella (St Helena, CA), Darin Golden and K9 Cali (Chula Vista, CA),Troy Morrison and K9 Smokey (Jamul, CA), Linda Phelps and K9 Trevor (Goldendale, WA), Eileen Porter and K9 Trevor (Goldendale, WA). Morrison also certified with K9 Flame (not pictured.)
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 2 of 10
The first annual Fire K9.org Annual Conference, Certification and “Friendraiser” was held October 7-9, 2010 at Humphrey’s by the Bay in San Diego, CA. President Troy Morrison opened the conference launching Fire K9.org’s mission statement and focus on promoting certified independent accelerant detection teams on an international level, and alignment with new double blind testing and certification
standards consistent with SWGDOG guidelines.
Handlers Linda Phelps, Eileen Porter, Mark Campbell & Veronica Barclay
Seminar topics covered a variety of practical applications for Fire K9 handlers. Mary Kate Anderson, a San Diego CPA, updated attendees on IRS Deductions for K9 Handlers and defined itemized deductions that could reduce tax liabilities. Leading fire forensics expert and author, Dr. John D DeHaan, led participants through post fire scene search procedures in Evidence: From the Scene to the Lab, to help handlers optimize the recovery and evaluation of physical evidence. In What to Say & Not Say to the Media, Battalion Chief Nick Schuler, Cal Fire’s Public Information officer, taught participants how to keep from making unintended mistakes when conducting high profile media interviews and how to give reporters what they want, while safeguarding the investigation. New York veterinary surgeon and former police K9 handler Dr. Paul S McNamara, presented K9 First Aid for the Working Dog, a comprehensive six hour class explaining how to treat almost every emergency a K9 handler may face in the field or at home. Participants also received a custom Fire K9.org K9 First Aid kit worth $175 (See page 6.)
Handlers from CO, WA and CA trained with their K9s through scent discrimination and pinpoint testing exercises, and also practiced vehicle, article and area searches at a secure industrial warehouse and yard courtesy of San Diego Gas & Electric, the day before their proficiency testing and certification.
San Diego area veterinarian Dr Lori Martin was the 24 hour on-call
vet for the conference and also allowed us to use her wholesale vendors to purchase medical supplies for our K9 First Aid kits.
Turn to page 8 for more Annual Conference photos.
Recent Events
Test Administrator Dr. John DeHaan from Fire Ex-Forensics and Proctor Lisa Caughlin from The Canine Academy conducted proficiency testing.
San Diego Crime Lab prepared the testing materials prior to proficiency testing to conform to the new double blind testing standards. Each team had their own individual set of pre-prepared cans and boards assigned to them to eliminate any possible cross- contamination. Seven out of eight teams passed their tests and were certified.
The first annual Ocean Breeze “Friendraiser” grossed over $7,000 in a fun filled evening featuring comedy hypnotist Ron Owens. Approximately 75 guests and volunteers enjoyed a Polynesian themed dinner, special K9 guests, a silent auction, and raffle. Thanks to all who helped – we couldn’t have done it without you! (See page 9 for more Friendraiser pictures.)
FFire K9.org was one of over 500 partcipants who entered the 48th annual Chula Vista
Starlight Christmas Parade. Pictured above from Left to Right: Marissa Morrison, David Rhoades (standing), Justin Morrison with Fire K9 Smokey, Darin Golden with Fire K9 Cali, Troy Morrison with Prevention K9 Ahern, Amanda Morrison (standing), and Joselyn Ner with Fire K9 Flame.
First Annual Conference & Friendraiser October 7-9, 2010 - San Diego, CA
Starlight Christmas Parade December 4, 2010 – Chula Vista, CA
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 3 of 10
Upcoming Fire K9.org Events
February 6, 2011 Quarterly Training Online Webinar 10 Am – Noon PST Record Keeping & Search Report Writing Members – watch your email for details.
February 28 – March 2, 2011 Firehouse World - San Diego, CA
Booth 5124 – For a free trade show pass, visit our website at firek9.org.
April 30, 2011 Quarterly Training
Las Vegas, NV (Exact Location TBA) Focus: Perimeter and Area Search May 1-3, 2011 IAAI Annual Conference
Flamingo Hotel - Las Vegas, NV Visit us in Booth # 101 September 7-10, 2011 FireK9.org Annual Conference, Training & Certification - Napa, CA
September 10, 2011 – FireK9.org Annual Friendraiser – Napa, CA Watch for details December 3, 2011 Quarterly Training Embassy Suites - San Luis Obispo, CA Focus: TBA
Applied Fire Dynamics Training January 21, 2011 9AM -5PM MST IRIS Fire Investigations - 99 Inverness Drive East, Suite 160 - Englewood, CO 80112
The class is based on the latest text book titled "Fire Dynamics" and is presented by the author Gregory E. Gorbett, CFI, CFEI, CFPS. This short course introduces investigators to applied fire dynamics. Students will develop an understanding of fire dynamics within compartments, including compartment fire behavior, heat transfer, pre and post flashover conditions, and heat release rate curves. These fundamental concepts will be linked to fire pattern development and how patterns can be accurately used in determining the area of origin. Tuition: $125 Contact: [email protected] (Scholarships available to Fire K9.org members)
Training Opportunities
February 28 - March 2, 2011
San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA
Come visit us in Booth 5124
Fire K9.org invites you to attend the
Largest Fire Event in the West!
FREE EXHIBIT HALL PASS
SAVE $15 Redeem this offer by entering
PROMO CODE FP75 when you Register Online
(Click here) or at www.firehouseworld.com
350 Exhibitors on Display Discover new products & services
Shop and compare
Meet face-to-face with company reps
Your free pass also gives you entry to the Opening Ceremony and Keynote Presentation Monday, February 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM.
This offer valid on new registrations only.
Not valid on-site.
CA Conference of Arson Investigators
March 28-30, 2011 Embassy Suites
San Luis Obispo, CA
Register at http://arson.org/training-seminars
Visit Fire K9.org in Booth 101
62
nd Annual IAAI Training
Conference & Trade Show
May 1-6, 2011
Flamingo Hotel 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard
South Las Vegas, NV
Register Now for ATC 2011 at http://www.firearson.com
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 4 of 10
Did You Know …
- K9 Legal Expert Terry Fleck will be retiring at the end of 2011? This is the last year that his seminars and daily e-mail / phone call K9 industry support will be available. He will continue to update his website and allow access to K9 handlers for free until Dec. 31, 2011. After that he will charge a $25 annual subscription. You can contact him at [email protected] - Fire K9.org Active and Associate Members receive a 20% discount on most items in the Doghouse?
- Fire Etc. offers 10% discount to Fire K9.org members on most items in their store? Shop them online at: www.fire-etc.com
In the Doghouse
Product Profile: Fire K9.org Fire Water Coming in February 2011
Our private label Fire Water will arrive just in time to sell at our booth at Firehouse World Feb. 28
th in San Diego.
Bottled in a distinctive 12 ounce plastic flask, this crystal clear spring water fits neatly in your pocket, pack, or glove compartment – ready any time you need a refreshing “nip.” Features easy open twist top closure. Be the first to quench your thirst while supporting Fire K9.org!
Training Tip: Are You Guilty of “Cueing?” Submitted by Veronica Barclay
Cueing is when handlers give their K9s a hint of where a target
odor is hidden or located. Often unintentional, it’s easy to fall
into this bad habit during training or searches if the handler
already knows the point of origin or location of the target odor.
Stopping, slowing your pace, or tapping the known can or
location are common cueing “offenses.”
What do you do about it? Grab your camcorder, a tripod (or a
friend) and film your exercise. Watch your feet and hands
closely to see if you inadvertently slow down or “suggest” a
location to your dog. Better yet, have someone else hide your
“finds” for you whenever possible. If you don’t know where the
odor is located you will be more inclined to trust your dog.
Just Released! Ready Resource
Fire Investigator: Principles and Practice to NFPA 921 and 1033
Third Edition
A new edition updates the resource previously known as User's Manual for NFPA 921, 2004 Edition. This new reference book includes all the 2011 changes of NFPA 921, is written by professional fire investigators from the IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) and is published by Jones & Bartlett Learning. Includes color photos and sketches to explain and enhance the reader's comprehension. Order your copy now from our web site www.firek9.org in
The Doghouse On-Line Store Member Price: $64.00 All Others: $79.95 Plus shipping and any applicable taxes.
$2.00 per bottle $44.00 per case Save 10% Member Price: $38.00 per case Save 20% Plus shipping
24/ 12 oz. Plastic Flask bottles per case Pre-Order Now in The Doghouse On-Line Store or Call (707) 480-1935. Orders will ship March 5
th
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 5 of 10
Mark Campbell & K9 Bandit
Mark Campbell and K9 Bandit
Justin Morrison
Mark Campbell of Professional K9 Detection Services, LLC, in Denver, CO, specializes in fire
protection forensics and code analysis. In addition, Mark utilizes his accelerant detection canine to assist fire departments, fire investigators, and insurance companies throughout their investigations. He and his two-year-old Belgian Malinois, Bandit, became a Fire K9.org Certified Accelerant Detection Team in October, 2010, during the first annual Fire K9.org Conference and Certification in San Diego. With over twenty five years experience in both the public and private sector, Mark has spent seven years as a volunteer firefighter, eleven years as a paid firefighter/paramedic and six years and a Reserve Police Officer. Public education is an important aspect of Mark and Bandit’s work including fire prevention programs for children and working with various organizations on using Certified Fire K9s.
Featured Member
Justin Morrison is a 16 year old volunteer who has been instrumental in helping to launch Fire
K9.org. A junior at Steele Canyon High School in Spring Valley, CA, he has spent hundreds of hours
assisting his dad (FireK9.org President, Troy Morrison) with accelerant detection training and
community demonstrations, recruited his school friends to help out at our first annual conference and
fundraiser in October, given little fire engine rides to kids at the San Diego Burn Institute’s Annual Burn
Run and Fire Expo, and participated in Fire K9.org’s entry in Chula Vista, CA’s Starlight parade last
December. His positive attitude and subtle sense of humor make him a pleasure to work with.
Justin says favorite accelerant detection exercise is one used at school demonstrations where a single
drop of 50% weathered gasoline is placed on one shoe of the four or five kids lined up in front of the
class. The Accelerant Detection K9 comes in and always “busts the arsonist” much to everyone’s
delight.
When other kids his age are fooling around, Justin prefers to keep busy working with their five dogs,
helping his dad build their new home, or playing the guitar.
Denise Mahaffey, President of Malama Marketing in San Diego, CA, was an integral component in
helping Fire K9.org produce and conduct its first annual conference, certification, and fund raiser in San Diego last October. Through her marketing expertise and perpetual energy, Denise acquired key local television coverage promoting our 3 day event, video recorded our trainings, created banners and signage, donated her services and staff, and was our emcee at our “Friendraiser” and Auction. An avid dog lover, Denise says she was drawn to FireK9.org when she learned that many of our Fire K9s were rescued from animal shelters, trained, “given a job to do,” and now give back to their communities.
A former marketing director for a computer systems integrator, Denise founded Malama Marketing in 2005 to “pick up where other traditional marketing firms leave off.” With over 1,000 marketing initiatives developed nationwide, her firm has a proven track record in public relations and business development for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Malama is Hawaiian for “to care for others,” and her success-driven marketing solutions and donor development programs have earned her local and national recognition for her dedication and hard work In 2009, she was selected as a recipient of San Diego Metropolitan magazine’s “40 Under 40” award for her business and charitable leadership. Denise shares her life at home with two Labs: one year old Lani, and 10 year old Koa. You can contact Denise at Malama Marketing (760) 908-6565 or [email protected]
Featured Volunteer
Featured Supporter
Photo
Denise Mahaffey with Fire K9 Smokey
Photo
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 6 of 10
K9 Health Submitted by Troy Morrison
Remember the first aid kit that you received at our annual conference back in October? Did you get back home and get out the stomach tube, measure your K9 partner and put tape on the tube to show you where to stop inserting it? No? Me neither! Well, here you go. I will remind you of a few things Doc Paul McNamara recommended that we do before we have an emergency with our K9 partner.
1. Create a contact list of your primary 24hr Vet and a back-up 24hr Vet.
2. Keep a copy of your K9 partner’s medical history in the First Aid kit.
3. Write a protocol for K9 emergencies and distribute it to everyone that will possibly need it in the event that you are injured and cannot treat or care for your K9 partner.
4. Check with your local ambulance company, Medivac, Sheriff’s helicopter, etc. to see if they will transport your partner in an emergency situation.
5. Get the stomach tube out and measure it from the nose to the edge of your K9 partner’s rib cage. Mark the tube with tape.
6. Add additional items to your First Aid kit such as a large flashlight, additional bottle of Toxiban, additional space blanket, Benadryl, and anything your K9 partner may specifically need.
7. Take your K9 partner’s temperature for several days to get an average or normal temp for your partner. (This will also help you get more accustomed to taking temps on your K9 partner).
8. Take the First Aid kit out and adjust the shoulder strap. Walk around with it on your shoulder any time you are around dog people and let them know they can go online at firek9.org to purchase one from The Doghouse Online Store.
IN MEMORIUM
K9 SCOUT July 14, 2000 – March 20, 2010
Scout, a chocolate lab, was born on July 14, 2000, and was a member of the Indianapolis Police Department Fire Investigation Unit for three years. She was diagnosed with brain cancer on March 13, 2010 and was put down three days later. Scout worked several fires in the Indianapolis area with her handler, Dave Kinsey (left), and was a great companion to Dave’s daughter, Kayla, (right.). K9 Scout is greatly missed. .
Fire K9.org K9 First Aid Kit
If you were not able to attend the first annual Fire K9.org conference last October, you can still obtain our customized K9 First Aid Kit. It’s filled with key implements, tools, and bandages to handle almost any field emergency and contains:
Instant ice compress Emergency blanket Trauma scissors Leash 60ml disposable syringe Exam gloves Pen light Cotton balls Q-Tips Metal tweezers 6'' tongue depressor Personal microbial wipe Stainless steel med blade Quick muzzle Toxiban 2oz Ball syringe 4 1/4oz surgical lubricant 4"x 5yards Vetrap 4"x4" non-sterile gauze pad 3"x4 yards absorbent wrap 3"x5yards fine gauze wrap 1" wide medical tape 2"wide medical tape 3"x4" Telfa pad 5"x9" abdominal pad Topical antibiotic Duct tape Peroxide Nolvasan Kwik Stop Nail trimmer Needle nose pliers /wire cutters SAM splint Artificial tears
All packed in a navy heavy duty bag with K9 First Aid embroidered in white letters, lots of pockets, white reflective tape and embroidered color Fire K9.org logo. Includes an extensive field guide written by Dr Paul S McNamara, DVM
$175.00 plus shipping & applicable taxes
$140.00 FireK9.org Members (Save 20%)
Order online at www.firek9.org in The Doghouse Online Store or call (707) 480-1935 Bag measures 18“x 16” x 8”
Bag is 8” x18” x 8”
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 7 of 10
What Dogs See Submitted by Veronica Barclay
Did you know dogs can see four times better than humans in the dark? That’s because dogs only need about one fourth of the light that humans need to see things at night.
Dogs were originally predators so their visual system is designed to operate best with low lighting. Just as with humans, canine retinas are made up of a mixture of rod and cone photoreceptors, but dogs utilize rods more, which work better in dim light. Cones control color vision and require bright light. [1]
Contrary to public belief, dogs are not color blind – they just don’t see the same range of colors that humans do. A study of dogs concluded that they see a range of colors mostly made up of yellows and blues. So rather than a rainbow of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, a dog sees an arc of very dark grey, dark yellow or brown, light yellow, gray, light blue and dark blue. [2]
Grey tones are the most difficult for dogs to differentiate. When presented with different shades of grey, dogs are only about half as accurate as humans in recognizing the difference between them.[3]
Do dogs have better vision than humans? On average, they have 20-75 vision, which means they can only see from a distance of 20 feet fine details that a person with good eyesight can see from 75 feet away. [1]
Canines do not have great ‘depth of field’ to their vision. Because they have such large pupils, when they look at things that are distant they only see the objects in the center of the image in focus. Everything else in the image appears fuzzy. [5]
Dogs have a large blind spot behind their heads. The size of this depends on the size of the dog’s head and varies widely from breed to breed. While the blind spot in a narrow-headed Borzoi is only 70 degrees, in the wider-headed Pekingese it is 140 degrees, leaving them much more vulnerable to attacks from behind. [4]
They may not be able to see behind them or in fine detail, but dogs can see things at great distances - especially if they are moving. A test of 14 police K9s found that dogs could recognize a moving object almost half a mile (900 meters) away. If it was stationary, they could see it at just over 600 yards (585 meters).[1]
References
Eye Image: wikimedia.org
1. Journal of the American Veterinary Association (JAVMA), 207, (12), 1623-1634, Dec 15, 1995
2. Visual Neuroscience, 3, 119-125 3. Journal of Vision 4, 241-249. 4. Beaver, Canine Behavior: A Guide For Veterinarians,
W B Saunders, Philadelphia, 1999, p 45 5. Coren, How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind,
Pocket Books, London, 2005, p24.
1. THINGS TO LEARN FROM A DOG
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps and stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends. Bond with your pack. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- Author unknown
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 8 of 10
Photo Album: Annual Conference
Training and Proficiency Testing
Dr Paul S McNamara teaching K9 First Aid for the Working Dog
Team Trevor:- Linda Phelps and Eileen Porter
October 7-9 2010 Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn San Diego,CA
Mark and Bandit practice interior searches
Troy presenting a speaker’s plaque to Mary Kate Anderson, CPA
Darin and Cali Test Administrator Dr John DeHaan
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 9 of 10
Photo Album: First Annual
Paula Morrison under Hypno Ron’s hypnosis stole the show
First Annual “Friendraiser “
October 9. 2010
Comedy hypnotist Ron Owens at work with audience volunteers
Fire Prevention K9 Ahren demonstrates “Stop-Drop &Roll”
Fire K9.org members present recognition award to Troy Morrison
You are invited to attend the inaugural
FIRE K9.ORG Ocean Breeze Friendraiser
Saturday October 9, 2010
6-10 PM
Humphreys Half Moon Inn
2303 Shelter Island Drive - San Diego, CA
Choice of
Macadamia Chicken Brandy Peppercorn Steak or Curry Vegetables Bombay
Dinner - Wine - Silent Auction - Raffle
And a few K9 surprises!
Entertainment by Comedy Hypnotist – Ron Owens
Dress: Tropical Beachwear
$95 Per person $150 Per couple
$600 Table for Eight
Grand Prize Drawing for Trained Arson Dog with 2 week Handler School One week stay in Oceanfront Kona, HI Condo
46 inch HD TV
Fire K9.org is a public benefit nonprofit CA corporation
Fire K9.org Quarterly Newsletter Page 10 of 10
Newsletter published quarterly Send your contributions to our Editors: Troy Morrison [email protected] Veronica Barclay [email protected]
FIRST CLASS MAIL
A Heartfelt Thank You to these donors and supporters who helped
make our annual Fire K9.org “Friend Raiser” on October 9, 2010 such a huge success!
FIRE K9.ORG
PO Box 71 St Helena CA
PHONE: (707) 480-1935
FAX: (707) 963-3357
E-MAIL [email protected]
We’re on the Web!
Visit us at:
www.firek9.org
FIRE K9.ORG PO Box 71
St. Helena, CA 94574
Ace K9 All The Moto Aqua Pazza Bistro Ben & Jerry’s Christopher Barclay Mark Barclay Barclay Fire Services Barclay & Browning Wines Bettinelli Vineyards Bobby Chan’s Men’s Wear Gloria Bouker Kristi Brown Mark Campbell Cain Cellars Canine Academy Chateau Morrisette Taylor Covington Jane DeVries Fire Station Red
Forestry Crab Feed Hook & Ladder Jamul Flowers JUS Work Clothes K9 Collars Kenny Kimball Jonathan Koop Chelsea Langner Loran-Loran Spa Maximum K9 Denise Mahaffey Michelle MacKusick Elizabeth Mayercin Paul S McNamara, DVM Nelson Moore Isabella Moreno Amanda Morrison Justin Morrison Marissa Morrison
Paula Morrison Neo-Paws “Hypno” Ron Owens Lynn Pearson Linda Phelps Eileen Porter Ray Allen Rocky Mountain Candy Co. Route 128 Winery Danny Southard Debbie Southard Kathy Streit Robin Torre Trace Wines Tulip Hill Winery Unleashed Chula Vista Vintage Estates Alyssa Watts Westin Mission Hills
CORPORATE
CLOTHIERS
