September 13, 2008
Hurricane Ike made landfall on the Bolivar Peninsula, leaving massive piles of debris
      December 6, 2008
      People are still missing.  
	  Search teams using specially trained working dogs search debris piled up by the storm
      looking for anyone still buried in the rubble.
      This is the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. We
      have a canine team that specializes in human
      cadavers... they've gotten a spot of interest..
      we're preparing to go in with heavy
      equipment, debris pile observers... to go
      through the debris pile and determine what it
      is the dog has found interest in.
      Our team consists of professional
      firefighters... the specialists have training in
      hazardous materials, rescue certification,
      paramedics with advanced training, and of
      course the canine specialists.
      FEMA is providing funding for the majority of
      this operation... we have been entrusted by
      them and the Galveston County Office of
      Emergency Management to search for the
      people that are missing in Hurricane Ike. Even
      if, let's say that we don't find anything in this
      debris pile, once we have completed our task
      at this debris pile, we can turn over the
      property back to FEMA and Galveston Office
      of Emergency Management and tell them,
      gentlemen, this area has been cleared"...
      they can come in here with the heavy
      equipment and clear it, with the confidence
      knowing that there are no human remains in
      this area.
      Actually I think this is the most rewarding job
      that anyone could have... when you know that
      you are doing your best to bring closure, to
      bring comfort to these families that have
      suffered not knowing what has happened to
      their loved ones since the storm... it gives us
      more determination, more desire to work
      harder and bring all this to a close.
      I love my job. When you know that you've
      done your best to help people that are
      suffering at the worst times in their lives... to
      be there and to be strong for them... and
      provide them something that no one else can
      do... when you've been entrusted with this
      type of job, I assure you that there's nothing
      more rewarding at the end of a long day then
      to know you've given it your best... that your
      team has come together and provided the
      families the opportunity for that closure.
      This search did not locate any of the missing
      For more information visit www.FEMA.gov