Wichita Fire Department officials announced that a search and rescue K-9 would join the department after graduating from training on Sept. 27.

As part of the Kansas Search and Rescue Response System, representing Task Force 5, Captain Chad Winton of the WFD recently completed two weeks of training at the Ground Zero Emergency Training Center in Norman, Okla. During that time, Winton worked with canines who had completed several months of training. As a Canine Search Team, Winton and his K-9 partner can be deployed to any human-made or natural disaster to aid in the search for survivors. The new search team graduates this Thursday, Sept. 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. On Oct. 4, Mayor Jeff Longwell will introduce Captain Winton and his new K9 partner to the community at the Mayor's weekly Media Briefing.

Fire Chief Tammy Snow stated, "The addition of the Canine Search Team to the resources of the WFD and the State of Kansas will be a valuable asset in our mission to save lives, especially in large-scale disasters.  Also, we would like to thank the Office of the State Fire Marshal for their leadership of the Kansas Search and Rescue Response System, whose vision and drive made the Canine Search Teams a reality."

Questions should be directed to the Fire Prevention Division at (316) 268-4441.

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