Scottsdale’s newest first responders have four legs, powerful noses and an important mission

The city has launched a new specialized search and rescue team featuring highly trained K-9s capable of locating missing or injured individuals in challenging desert terrain throughout the city’s preserve system and open space areas.

From rugged preserve trails to remote desert washes, the team combines specially trained K-9 handlers, firefighters, police personnel and preserve staff to strengthen emergency response capabilities across Scottsdale’s more than 300 miles of trails and pathways.

The City of Scottsdale Search and Rescue Team, or COSSAR, was developed through a collaborative partnership between the Scottsdale Fire Department, Scottsdale Police Department and preserve management personnel following a vision established by Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon. The specialized unit is designed to support incidents both within Scottsdale and in neighboring jurisdictions when requested.

“Scottsdale’s preserve system is one of our community’s greatest assets, but the desert environment can quickly become dangerous, especially during extreme heat or when hikers are unprepared,” Shannon said. “This team provides a dedicated, highly trained search and rescue resource focused specifically on challenging terrain. Their ability to respond quickly and work together across agencies will help improve outcomes during emergencies.”

The team includes 10 specially trained K-9 handlers certified through the National Association for Search and Rescue at the SARTECH II level, a nationally recognized search and rescue certification standard. The team’s dogs — Leon, Kory, Ploy, Finnley, Sully and Dillon — are trained in specialized operational disciplines including air scent detection and human remains detection.

These dogs may wag their tails off duty, but in the field they are trained to detect human scent across large outdoor areas, helping rescuers locate missing hikers or stranded individuals more quickly in difficult terrain. Human Remains Detection K-9s are specifically trained to detect deceased victims and human remains in a variety of environmental conditions.

Each K-9 selected for the program demonstrated strong aptitude and working capability within its assigned discipline. Team members completed extensive training under experienced search and rescue professionals and continue to maintain operational readiness through advanced field exercises, certifications and scenario-based training.

The program also includes two highly experienced volunteer search and rescue members whose K-9s are fully integrated into operations. These volunteers bring decades of field experience and have completed all required testing, evaluations and certification standards for membership on the team.

In addition to K-9 deployment tactics, personnel receive training in navigation, unified command coordination, evidence preservation, technical communications, responder safety and coordinated resource management.

“Scottsdale residents and visitors enjoy unparalleled access to our preserve system and open spaces, and public safety remains one of our highest priorities,” said Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton. “This team reflects Scottsdale’s commitment to proactive public safety investments and strong collaboration between departments to better serve our community.”

As part of Scottsdale’s unified emergency response system, the team will operate in close coordination with fire, police and preserve personnel while leveraging specialized K-9 capabilities, advanced technology and technical rescue resources.

Future enhancements will include continued investment in search and rescue technology, expanded ground search capabilities and additional specialized resources designed to further strengthen emergency response operations throughout Scottsdale’s preserve and open space areas.