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Search and Rescue Training Program

Search and Rescue Training

317-232-2222 training@dhs.in.gov

317-232-2222 training@dhs.in.gov

About Search and Rescue Training

Sign for IDHS Search and Rescue center
Sign for IDHS Search and Rescue center

Search and rescue professionals offer vital assistance in the response following a disaster. The IDHS Search and Rescue Training Program responds to requests across the state as specialists in K-9 search, rescue and recovery training programs.

A key component to the program is the Indiana Sheriff's Association Youth Ranch, located in Brazil, Indiana. The ranch announced the partnership with IDHS to sheriffs from across Indiana in 2019. The location offers an on-site kennel for cadaver dogs as well as a large lake for water training (view the map). Additionally, youth from all 92 counties across Indiana — future deputies, troopers and police officers, as well as at-risk kids and young witnesses and victims of crime — will discover the Indiana Sheriff's Association Youth Ranch offers life lessons about respect, animals, nature, character and health.

About the Program Manager, K-9s

Lillian Hardy manages the Search and Rescue Program, and she is also the handler for an accelerant-detection K-9 and cadaver-detection dogs that work statewide on fire scenes for the IDHS Fire Investigations Section and give demonstrations to schools and civic organizations.

  • Lillian Hardy

    Lillian Hardy is the IDHS Search and Rescue Program manager and is the K-9 handler for Misty, Eris and Cara. She oversees the program, trains handlers and their dogs in search-and-rescue techniques, facilitates training and responds to fire scenes as well as missing-person searches.

    Lillian has been involved in search and rescue since 1981 and has been a certified master canine trainer since 1993. She has been working with the Korean Kennel Club and Korean Rescue 119 Services since 2012 to develop a cadaver search-dog training program for South Korea.

    Woman standing with black labrador retriever in front of fire truck
  • Misty

    Misty completed a 200-hour accelerant detection canine certification course in 2019 and is trained to locate ignitable liquids.

    Black labrador retriever
  • Eris

    Eris is certified in land cadaver/human remains detection (HRD) as well as water HRD and disaster HRD. She locates or determines the presence of human remains and can also help law enforcement agencies locate missing people.

    German shepherd
  • Cara

    Cara is certified in land cadaver/human remains detection (HRD).

    German shepherd
  • Pi

    Pi is certified in land cadaver/human remains detection (HRD). She is a daughter of Eris.

    Dog sitting

Upcoming Trainings

View full IDHS calendar

Note: Not all events on the IDHS calendar are organized, hosted or sponsored by IDHS or other state agencies. Some events are included for informational purposes as events that the public or first responders may find beneficial.

Programs Offered

Learn more about the IDHS Search and Rescue Training Center's programs below. To register for courses, you must first have a PSID number (K-9s must also have a PSID number). Register for a PSID using the online application. Then, using your PSID and password, log in to the Acadis Portal and browse for IDHS courses. Some prerequisites are offered through FEMA's training website.

  • K-9 Search and Rescue Training Program
    Two people on boat with dog on leash

    The K-9 Search and Rescue Training Program consists of structured classes of varying levels and disciplines from basic foundation training to advanced skills. The program also offers workshops, individual instruction and opportunities for search organizations to utilize training areas at the center.

    More about the K-9 training program

  • Ground Search and Search Management Training Program
    Dog searching rubble

    The Ground Search and Search Management program consists of structured classes of varying levels from basic foundation training to advanced skills. The program also offers workshops, individual instruction and opportunities for response agencies, search organizations and individuals to learn about Ground Search Techniques and Search Management. This not only teaches the trainees skills needed to properly search for missing persons, but it gives agencies an opportunity to work together and understand each other's roles during an incident. These courses are the foundation to any well-rounded search and rescue training program.

    More about the search management training program

  • Technical Rescue Training Program
    Crews search rubble with power generators and equipment nearby

    The Technical Rescue Training program consists of structured classes designed to train emergency response personnel to safely, efficiently and effectively perform rescues in the event of an emergency. The Search and Rescue Training Center offers several training areas for confined space, vehicle extrication, technical rope rescue and disaster operations.

    More about the Technical Rescue Training program

Course Information

Resources