Superior Search and Rescue

06/09/2026

This week, our K9 teams tackled a variety of challenging training scenarios, including diverse terrain, flowing water, and other environmental factors that tested both dogs and handlers.

Paavo and his handler concentrated on reading subtle body language cues and effectively working a search grid despite limited wind patterns.

Harlow focused on building precision and extending distance while maintaining accuracy.

Dolly worked through distractions, including a decoy, while strengthening her motivationals and drive.

Every training day presents new challenges and learning opportunities. Watching these teams grow their skills, confidence, and partnership is what it's all about. Great work, teams!

06/04/2026

Our recent all-team training focused on Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and AED certification through the American Heart Association.

As search and rescue volunteers, being prepared for emergencies goes beyond search skills. These lifesaving techniques help ensure our members are ready to respond when every second matters.

Thank you to Isaac and Wes for leading this important training and helping our team build the knowledge and confidence needed to serve our community and one another.

05/26/2026

Superior Search and Rescue proudly participates in Michigan’s Adopt-a-Highway program, helping care for our section north of McLain State Park! Giving back to the community that supports us so generously is an important part of who we are.

A special shoutout to Richard, who went above and beyond by making extra cleanup laps to help the team finish in a reasonable amount of time. His extra effort and dedication truly kept us moving and made a big difference.

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this important initiative. Together, we are helping keep our community beautiful!

05/21/2026

Dolly and Paavo put their noses to the test this week! 👃
We think both K9s earned an A+! 🍎

05/09/2026

05/03/2026

Clue detection was the name of the game at our latest training, led by Jenna. She built out realistic, professional scenarios modeled after SARTech II field test standards, giving our team the chance to sharpen one of the most critical skills in search and rescue: spotting the details others might miss. From subtle disturbances to easily overlooked clues, members trained their eyes across a variety of terrains, just like they would encounter in the field.

A big thank you to Jenna for designing and leading such a valuable, hands-on training.

Afterward, the K9 team got to work on our scent-heavy training grounds, adding another layer of difficulty. Harlow took on extended nose-to-ground work, really digging into the challenge. Dolly worked through more urban-style trailing scenarios, navigating distractions and complexity. Paavo faced shifting winds and tricky scent eddies that pushed his skills to the limit.

It was a full day of problem solving, teamwork, and growth. Another strong step forward for the SSAR team.

04/26/2026

Our K9s were put to the test on team member Lane’s 20+ acre property, working through a range of terrain including dense woods, open fields, and small frozen ponds. This training pushed both time and distance and gave our team valuable real world experience.

Lane also deployed our drone and we were able to practice locating subjects from an aerial perspective. Drone operation is a specialized skill and we are grateful to have this capability as part of our team.

A huge thank you to Lane, his family, and the surrounding neighbors who joined in to help hide and flank for the K9s and to keep our team fueled with an incredible meal.

Opportunities like this make all the difference!

04/19/2026

April is Autism Awareness Month, and our team participated in a powerful training focused on understanding individuals with autism and how their unique traits can impact search scenarios.

Thank you to Amber and her brother Robert for sharing this valuable insight and helping us better plan, respond, and serve our community with greater awareness and care.

04/19/2026

The K9s have been putting in the work! 💪

04/03/2026

Superior Search and Rescue members worked through a mock rescue scenario for practice with radio communications. We had a mock Incident Command, Team leader, and clues set up throughout the woods. From taking clear notes to communicating professionally and exemplifying leadership skills, our members were put to the test to develop and implement these skills. Huge thank you to Jenna and Amber for leading this impactful training.

Our team also got to check in with long-standing search K9, Presley, who lost a leg to bone cancer and has been thriving as a tripod for the last year. While he's retired from full searches, he is still a SAR member in our hearts, and we were all able to get some Presley puppy love in after training.

Sadly, Presley now faces more struggles with cancer, which makes it more important now more than ever that his team get special time with him. Thank you, Presley, for your years of service to the community!