K9 Handler, Team Veterinarian, Tennessee certified Diasaster Veterinarian, NNDDA certified cadaver dog "Phoenix", and "Bella" was Tennessee Animal Hall of Fame Outstanding Professional Dog of the Year 2002.
About Me:
My Team has worked searches (live and cadaver) in 7 states including 31 counties of Tennessee and Kentucky. We have participated in finding 40 drown victims. I consider drown find a specialty. I was a member of the World Trade Center Canine Recovery Task Force. We had a Canine Recovery team in Hancock County, Ms. post Katrina. and participated in search and training teams in Missouri and Mississippi. In 2008 we spent a week in Orange County, Texas after Hurricane Ike. I am now a member of Kentucky StrikeForce K9 regional team.
There was no K9 search service in this area. I was encouraged by law enforcement to take it up. As a veterinarian, I already had skills in working with dogs. It has taken me to places I would never have thought I would see.
Why I Love Fire/EMS
helping people, the adrenalin, and travel to places I haven't been before
Top Issues Facing Responders:
Finding volunteers to pursue the work with professional attitude and the willingness to work together. We now have a really great group of people and dogs, about 20 of each.
Rita R. Tinsley
Female
Dover, TN
United States
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