Thursday, March 19, 2009 8:11:09 AM
TITUSVILLE -- It's a chance for civilian cadaver dog handlers to learn from the experts, and in turn help them in the search for missing people.
News 13's Greg Pallone talked to officers and one dog owner who has helped in the recent high profile search for missing Putnam County girl Haleigh Cummings.
On Wednesday, around 16 private handlers from all over the southeast and their dogs learned the latest techniques from officers with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit at their Camp Chance facility in the northern part of the county.
It's the latest training techniques for the dogs involving woodland, rubble pile, buried, water building, and vehicle searches using legal cadaver training material.
It's invaluable for both sides, as the officers call on reliable private teams to search for missing persons, alive or dead, and to bring closure to loved ones.
"That is the most important. It is be able to bring closure and peace to the families. Resources in place so we can help the families of victims," said Corp. Chris Wood, a K-9 handler for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
The seminar runs through March 20. Organizers hope to make the training an annual event.
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/3/19/civilians_get_training_in_handling_cadaver_search_dogs.html
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