The newest Door County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members have four legs, a tail, and are now ready to serve your community. Shyla and Hannah were officially certified as search dogs this month after finishing their training in Indiana about two weeks ago. The two dogs and their handlers have spent several hours of hard work and training to become certified and are now ready to serve the CERT on search and rescue missions. Gibraltar Fire Chief Andy Bertges hopes the dogs never get used, but he is glad to have the pair ready just in case.

Bob Simandl has played an essential role in helping prepare the CERT's canine unit, using his years of experience to help guide Bertges through the process. Much like the humans on the CERT, the dogs also volunteer. The dogs train five to ten days a month, drilling different scenarios to help build proficiency in certain search and rescue techniques. He believes they are building something special.

CERT volunteers assist law enforcement and emergency personnel when more hands are needed to help during disasters and other large-scale incidents. You can contact Bertges or Door County Emergency Management Director Jeb Saelens to serve the CERT.