Hello,

The seminar start date is approaching and we're finalizing the details regarding the areas to be used as well as matching up of students to instructors.   If you haven't completed the supplemental form (scroll down and see link below from last newsletter), please do so at your earliest convenience.   The info you provide is used for class assignments as well as certificates and coordination with certifying organizations.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION THOSE CERTIFYING WITH:
National Network of Canine Detection Services (NNCDS)  - www.NNCDS.org
Dedicated registration needs to be completed for our seminar at:
https://www.nncds.org/bay-county-sar
NOTE:  This certification is only done by Instructors Greg Cole and Lisa Higgins.
NNCDS REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY 2/22/2021 8PM EST

Now, some of what you can expect this year ...

Here's a few quick items that will be part of the 2021 seminar:

- Please note with this type of event, a firm schedule is almost impossible to follow since each of the participant teams are unique in their abilities and level of training.    THERE WILL BE PERIODS OF STANDING AROUND (or sitting if you brought a portable chair).    We'll be working with the instructors to minimize it as much as possible.

-  Each seminar day will start with a sign-in/class location assignment in the parking lot of the host hotel at our BCSO SAR Command Post.  As it stands, it will be located in the back parking lot area of the La Quinta Hotel.  The Command Post will remain at that location  through out the seminar - manned during seminar hours - and will be the focal point for information.

- Seminar name badges will be issued to all participants for ease of identification.  The back side of the badges will have contact numbers of BCSO/SAR staff should there be any issues/items that need urgent attention.

- Box lunch meals will be provided for each attendee at the assigned training area for each team. NOTE: In the past we tried to provide some catered meals (hot/cold) but received complaints about not getting enough meals to the training areas and/or they were not very good.   If you have special dietary needs, you'll need provide your own food during the seminar.

- We will be providing completion certificates at the end of the seminar instead of mailing them.

More details in the next newsletter. 

SPECIAL NW FLORIDA AREA NOTE:

Our part of Florida (Bay County) is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Micheal. 

While most of the Panama City Beach tourist zones are pretty much "business as usual", areas to the east still have sections being repaired, demolished houses/business, and impacted woodlands.  Extra caution should be used when walking through some of the training areas.

CLICK FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FORM

* Request that you complete the form as soon as possible, but no later than Feb 19th.

In addition to your K9 gear, note the following:

- HR WATER ATTENDEES:  you MUST bring/wear a Coast Guard approved PFD.   It is strongly suggested that you have a PFD for your K9.

- Poisonous snakes (rattlers, pygmy rattlers, water moccasins, etc) may be present where you are training.  Snake boots/leggings should be worn during any activity in fields or woods.

-  Temperatures can range from the 40s to 70s.  Layered clothing is strongly recommended.

-  If it warms up, count on bugs showing up - bring  some type of bug repellant.  Also be prepared for ticks on you and your K9.

-  Even if it seems cool, the sun here can still give you a burn.  Hats and sun protection are strongly suggested.

K9 Health/Vet Information:

-  Please remember that we do require your dog to be current on all vaccinations required by law.  In Florida, the mandatory vaccination is Rabies (either one or three year).

- It is strongly recommended that they also have the Leptospirosis vaccine before attending the seminar. You will be working in areas that are populated with a wide variety of wildlife that are capable of transmitting this virus.

- We have several vet techs that are part of our SAR team and are expected to be on hand through-out the seminar. 

The local vet we recommend in the area and will be available for emergencies during the seminar is:

Breeze Animal Hospital
9222 Back Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: (850) 233-7091 / (850) 233-5258

Additional area and seminar information will be emailed to you in the next few weeks. 

For any questions regarding the seminar, contact Lt. Melissa Frye by email at MelissaEFrye@aol.com or call 850-832-7976

BCSO Search and Rescue
P.O. Box 36592
Panama City, Fl 32412
CONTENT FOR ADDRESSED RECIPIENT ONLY - PLEASE DO NOT SHARE OR FORWARD