NESAR Responds to World Trade Center Disaster 
New York City, September 2001 – Members and canines from NESAR answered calls for assistance by responding to the World Trade Center disaster.  On September 11, members, including command and support personnel and several K-9 teams, responded to Lower Manhattan to provide "first responder" disaster assistance.  At the time, the area was deemed too unstable and the team returned home the following morning after the arrival of FEMA personnel and canines.  Participating in the FEMA operations at "Ground Zero" were NESAR members Lorrie Clemmo and her dogs, Claire and Blitz, and Dan Bacaloglu and his dog, Senta.  Within a few days, NESAR was again contacted for K-9 Teams and support personnel to respond for recovery operations at the Freshkill Landfill on Staten Island.  This phase of the canine operations lasted two weeks and included teams from various states across the country.  Participating in the Staten Island operations were the following NESAR members and canines: Bruce Barton, Bob Lemoi, Dale Chan, Charlie Lasher, Tim Deitrich, Andy Judd, Rich Kishpaugh, Henk Akkerhuis, Kathy Schramer, Sandee Ford,  Karen Dashfield and Sophie, Lorrie Clemmo with Claire and Blitz, Inez Schooley with Koati and Mike Schooley with Casey.  A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing was held at NESAR HQ on September 29 and included members from several SAR teams who had assisted in the operations.  On November 15th, PA State Senator Lisa Boscola honored her district's volunteers who participated in the rescue/recovery efforts with a ceremony at the Bethlehem Township (PA) Fire Company.  More than 40 volunteers received a copy of her Senate Resolution honoring their efforts. 

          NESAR K-9 Team Passes FEMA Test
San Jose, CA, August 19 – Lorrie Clemmo, NESAR's K-9 Coordinator, and her Border Collie, Blitz, passed their FEMA Basic Disaster Evaluation in San Jose, CA, on August 19.  The Team had to successfully search a large rubble pile containing two victims.  The team passed with flying colors and is now certified to respond should the need occur.  FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is responsible for providing emergency assistance during times of national disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, and incidents like the Oklahoma City bombing.  More information on FEMA's canine teams can be found at the following internet site: http://166.112.200.141/usr/usr_canines.htm

                      NESAR Search Log, 2001 
On October 17, a task led by NESAR's Kathy Schramer located two overdue ATV enthusiasts near Blakeslee, PA.  The men had taken shelter after it had gotten dark.  They were both fine despite some rain, wind and chilly temperatures.  Prior to that search, on September 5, NESAR's Sandee Ford, and Karen Gower and Loren George of  White Haven Ambulance Co.,  located a missing hiker near White Haven, PA.  The man's family had reported him overdue earlier in the day.  Members and canines responded to a request from the Palmyra Police Department on October 24.  The police requested dogs to clear a wooded area near town in hopes of locating a missing man there.  K-9 teams from several SAR organizations cleared the area without locating the man.  The man's body was discovered in a nearby river several days later.  On October 25 and 26, NESAR personnel and K-9s were called to Wayne County, PA,  to assist local police in a search for a missing man.  Search dogs provided crucial evidence and the body of the man was later located buried in New Jersey.  Two suspects are expected to be charged in his death.  On December 9th, a task consisting of NESAR's Mike Schooley and Diane Sobel-Meyer, located a missing hunter in Delaware State Park near Milford, PA.  The 64-year old man was suffering from mild hypothermia after being out in a snow storm for 23 hours.  He was treated and returned to his hunting tent where he joined his buddies.  On December 26th, NESAR personnel and K-9s responded to a search in Bartonsville, PA, for a missing  woman.  An observant mailman, who had been alerted to the situation by NESAR Command Personnel, located the woman several miles away from her home and she was reunited with her anxious family members. 

        NESAR Mounted Teams Hold Open House
Eileen Malhame and Sue Lamothe, both NESAR Mounted Team members, hosted a "Meet the Horses" open house on May 7 in Bushkill, PA, for other members.  Those in attendance had the opportunity to learn a good deal about the general care of horses and their value in SAR work.  Mick, a Morgan gelding, generously donated his time and back to the members who were given the opportunity to learn to walk him on a lead as well as groom, bridle, saddle and ride him around the corral.  It was an interesting, informative and fun time for all.  Mick was rewarded with a couple ripe apples for his patience and understanding.