We are proud to be celebrating a significant milestone as our newest Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) dog Milo and handler Phil, have successfully completed their specialist training and are now operationally ready to support responses to large-scale incidents across the country.
After months of intensive training modules, assessments and development, the partnership has achieved the high standards required to become a fully qualified USAR search team. They are now ready to deploy to incidents where specialist search capabilities are needed, including locating missing people in collapsed structures and complex disaster environments.
Becoming an operational USAR dog team requires a dedicated level of commitment and perseverance from both Milo and Phil. Training takes place regularly in a wide range of challenging environments, helping to build the trust, confidence and teamwork needed to operate effectively in high-pressure situations.
The achievement reflects many of the values that sit at the heart of our Service. Through hard work, professionalism, resilience and teamwork, the pair have demonstrated the determination required to reach this important milestone and strengthen our specialist response capability.
USAR search dogs play a vital role during major incidents, using their highly developed sense of smell to help locate casualties in situations where conventional search methods may be difficult or time critical. Their specialist skills can make a significant difference when every second counts.
Chief Fire Officer, Louise Harrison, shared;
“This is a fantastic achievement for our Service. Reaching operational status as a USAR search dog team requires countless hours of hard work, trust and perseverance, and I am incredibly proud to see them achieve this important milestone. Their professionalism and determination embody the values we strive for across Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, and they will play a vital role in helping protect communities and support national resilience responses when they are needed most.”
The qualification also marks the passing of the baton between generations of search dogs within our USAR team.
As our newly qualified team begins their operational journey, it is also an opportunity to recognise the outstanding service of our retiring USAR search dog Huw, who has spent years supporting training exercises, specialist operations and national resilience capabilities.
Alongside his handler Alan, Huw has demonstrated unwavering commitment and played an important role in helping keep communities safe, both locally and nationally. Their contribution has left a lasting legacy and helped pave the way for the next generation of specialist search capability.
We would like to thank both Alan and Huw for their years of dedication, professionalism and service. Their hard work, countless training hours and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of our USAR team.
USAR Station Commander, Kevin Mercer, shared;
“Qualifying as an operational USAR search dog team is no small feat. Behind this success are months of training, assessment and commitment from Phil and Milo. Their journey has required patience, teamwork and an exceptional bond, and it has been a privilege to watch them develop into a capable operational partnership.
Today, we would also like to recognise and thank our retiring search dog Huw and handler Alan, for their outstanding service and dedication over many years. Their contribution to our team and specialist capability has been invaluable, and they leave behind a legacy that has helped shape and support the next generation. As one partnership hands over the lead to another, it is a proud moment for our USAR team and a reminder of the expertise, commitment and continuity that exists within our Service.”
As one team step back from operational duties and another steps forward, this achievement highlights the strength, continuity and expertise within our USAR capability. We are incredibly proud of both teams and look forward to seeing our newest pair support operations, training and national resilience responses for years to come.
