Dogs Train for Search and Rescue in Hampton

Members of the Iowa SAR K9 volunteer group spent Sunday afternoon training in scent tracking and trailing and human remains detection at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and East Park in Hampton.

The non-profit collaborates with sheriffs' offices around northern Iowa, including the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, to provide search and rescue and recovery in emergency situations, said Tammy Hansen, who serves as the president of the group.

Hansen and her fellow handler, Cody Turner, spoke of the work they do, saying they are happy to help on a volunteer basis if it means assisting in missing persons cases.

They don't want to be a last resort for sherrifs' offices. They want to be the first people they call when they have a missing person.

"When somebody goes missing, the sooner they call us, the better," said Hansen. We don't mind getting turned around ... That's one of the best things, when we have to turn around because they found them."

The handlers and dogs train as often as they can to keep their skills sharp, according to Hansen, with their certification being done through the Alliance for Emergency Response Instructors and Examiners, the North American Police Work Dog Association and the National Network of Canine Detection Services.

Cody Turner added that the dogs really enjoy being put to the test.

"It's their natural instinct to want a job," he said. "As soon as I put on my trailing gear, this dog knows she gets to go to work and she screams the whole way there. It's kind of annoying but she very much enjoys her job."

The non-profit relies solely on donations and grants. To donate to the group, visit their website at iowasark9.org, where donations can be made through PayPal. To donate with a check, contact the Hampton Chronicle at 641-456-2585 for further instructions.

"There are others in Iowa that do this and this is just our little group, but I want more law enforcement to know that we are here and ready to help," said Hansen.