Training & Qualifications

Team members under go rigorous training and evaluation before being allowed to participate in actual search operations. This includes bi-weekly training year round and annual re-evaluations. All members complete courses in first aid and CPR (human and K9), radio communications, crime scene preservation, incident command, land navigation and lost victim behavior. Team members participate in search and rescue seminars to learn more about the latest in training techniques and equipment.

Field Support

Before becoming “Operational” to assist on call-outs, or before handling a dog, SWOKSAR requires a member to become Field Support certified. Depending on the members existing knowledge of Topographical maps and compass reading, the training time can vary. Along with map and compass reading the field support will also become efficient in boat operation, radio communications, using Global Satellite Systems (GPS) units and administering first aid and CPR for both human and K9. Other required classes that are taught are crime scene preservation, incident command and lost victim behavior, just to name a few.

Each dog team that enters the field consists of dog, dog handler and a field support member (navigator). The navigator plays a crucial role on the team. This person helps ensure the dog handler they are in their assigned area (sector), and communicates back to incident command on their current position throughout the entire search. Field support is also required to report any areas that were not covered, and to keep an accurate log of any indications given by the dog if noted by the dog handler. Field support can also help support the dog handler if weather conditions change, such as wind direction or special weather bulletin alerts that may come up. If a victim is located, the navigator must be able to communicate and give a clear and accurate location so the leading agencies can deploy the necessary help or equipment to the scene.


Once a member becomes field support qualified and requests to train a dog, basic obedience and stress evaluations are made of the K9 before any search training begins. SWOKSAR sets very high standards for each dog team and goes through yearly certifications to ensure top performance from both the dog and its handler. 

SWOKSAR specializes in the use of the Air Scenting discipline. This discipline allows us to train air scenting, Cadaver and Waterdogs for submerged victims. 

SWOKSAR is one of the few search teams in the state of Ohio that train and certify water dogs to help search and locate submerged victims related to boating, swimming, scuba,  fishing or any aquatic accidents, as well as floods and crimes. With the dogs’ help, we are able to reduce the area to be searched by rescue divers, which helps reduce the time in finding the victim, along with reducing the time rescue divers are required to be in the water.