Search and Rescue Canine Retires After Decade of Service

Santa Barbara - August 18th, 2010

One of two K9’s with the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue Team is retiring after ten years of service.

Kody, a 12-year old Australian Shepherd, joined the all-volunteer team in 2001. Since that time, Kody and his handler, SAR Team member Rick Stein, have been called to countless searches and rescues. Kody is certified in both air scent and cadaver.  During his career, Kody has been successful in finding both live and deceased subjects.  In addition to being a search resource for Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, Kody and his handler Rick Stein, have also been active in the Mt Pinos Nordic Ski Patrol (NSP) and the California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA).

Stein says it was a hard decision to retire Kody, “I’m proud of Kody’s years of service, but this is the right time,” he added. Stein plans on training another pup in about a year for Search and Rescue.  For the time being, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue will utilize its one other K9 search member, Blaze, who is certified in trailing and cadaver.

For more information regarding this story you can contact Rick Stein at (805) 259-5065.

The Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue Team is an all volunteer branch of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

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