Operational Dog Teams
Scott Ruskay and K-9 Nash -- Western |
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K9 Rommel
K9 Texas
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K9 Nash
Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Certifications and Training:
Nash is IPWDA HRD certified and is currently working on his Trailing certification. Scott has previously trained and certified dogs in Trailing, Human Remains Detection, Airscent, and Water Search.
Ham Call Sign: K-9TRL
Scott works as a GM at a Manufacturing facility by day and moonlights as a professional dog trainer at night; he has begun working with his new pup, Nash in multiple disciplines.
In 1997 he graduated from United States K-9 Academy and that's when the real fun began. From K-9 Personal protection to K-9 SAR and a Kennel Master in between.
Scott enjoys camping, hiking, snowboarding, target shooting, and anything else that has to do with the great outdoors.
Scott formerly handled SAR dog Rommel and Texas, RIP.
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Marian Beland and Micah -- North Central |
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Breed: Portuguese Water Dogs
Certifications and Training:
Marian has previously trained and certified dogs in Woodland (Area Search), Human Remains Detection, and Water Search.
Marian is a past president of CCSAR.
She has a background in law enforcement and a diverse career.
Marian is active in church functions and holds a second-degree black belt in Karate.
Marian formerly handled SAR dog Heidi, a Rottweiler; and certified PWDs Tracer and Ted in multiple disciplines. They have passed away after long and healthy lives; both were deeply devoted to Marian and enjoyed SAR work tremendously.
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Al Beland -- North Central |
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Breed: Labrador Retrievers
Certifications and Training: Woodland, Water, Human Remains Detection, Search Management Instructor, FUNSAR Instructor, HAM Raidio Operator.
Al is a Navy veteran, and a former member of the Civil Air Patrol. He enjoys fishing, martial arts, and hiking. Al holds a third-degree black belt in karate.
Al started with CCSAR in 1997 as a volunteer subject.
Tugger is Al's newest pup in training. Sadly, Tia (left) has retired and subsequently crossed the Rainbow Bridge as has Tango (right).
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Don Miner -- North Central |
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Breed: Black Labrador Retriever
Certifications and Training:
Don has previously trained and certified in Woodland (Area Search) and Water Search.
Don is working with new pup Elsie, and is also a 25+ year volunteer EMT and is currently a deputy chief of his local ambulance service. He is a past ski patroller with a certification in outdoor emergency care.
Don is Treasurer for CCSAR and has been active in a number of community organizations, including youth soccer, Boy Scouts and Rotary. He is also a member of the Suffield Police Commission.
Don is a financial and cost accounting analyst with a major explosives manufacturer. He has three grown children. Chloe retired and has subsequently crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
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Liz Burne, Eres and Orva -- Western |
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Breed: English Springer Spaniels
Certifications and Training:
Liz has previously trained and certified dogs for Woodland, Water Search, and Human Remains Detection.
Liz is the CCSAR President and CCSAR Training Officer. She has certified four dogs with CCSAR in multiple disciplines and served as an instructor at seminars in several states and as a legal expert for trailing dogs.
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Brian Beley and Summer -- North Central |
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Breed: Labrador Retrievers
Certifications and Training:
Brian has previously trained and certified dogs in Woodland (Area Search), Human Remains Detection, and Water Search.
Brian is a licensed electrician in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He has worked for 20+ years at a local electrical contractor. When not working with the team, Brian enjoys golfing, fishing, coaching Little League (anything sports related) and spending time with his wife and children.
Brian has trained Summer from puppyhood; she is his second dog with the team. Pearl retired from search work and crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2015 and is sorely missed by both the team and her family.
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Bree Berner, Diamond and Delta -- Central |
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Breed: Curly Coated Retrievers
Certifications and Training:
Bree has previously trained and certified dogs in Woodland (Area Search), Human Remains Detection, and Water Search.
Bree is a computer professional; Diamond and Delta greatly enjoy their training and search work in multiple disciplines. Bree previously handled Sapphire, who retired in 2019 and subsequently crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Ham radio operator (KB1VRB)
Certified in Mounted Search and Rescue with the
First Company Governor's Horse Guards (no longer active)
Bree and her husband enjoy outdoor activities with their three dogs.
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Robert Paruolo and Knox -- Central |
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Breed: Golden Retriever
Certifications and Training:
Bob has trained and certified dogs in Woodland (Area Search), Human Remains Detection, and Water Search.
Bob previously handled a Newfoundland, and has a number of years with CCSAR, including serving as President. He works in the utility industry and is married with 2 children.
Knox greatly enjoys his training and search work.
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Lauren Prior and Cuvier -- Central |
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Breed: Beauceron
Certifications and Training:
Lauren has trained and certified in Woodland (Area Search) and continues training in additional disciplines.
Lauren loves the outdoors and serves as Secretary for CCSAR.
Cuvier loves scent work and training in various search disciplines.
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Jeff Galvin and Cali -- Southeast |
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Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Certifications and Training:
Jeff has trained and certified in Woodland (Area Search) and Human Remains Detection.
Jeff and Cali love working together to accomplish the mission.
Cali also enjoys daily life with family.
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Memorials to Past Members
Joanne Pigott was a charter member of Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue and served until her recent death at 78. [read more]
Dr. Peter Vernesoni was a primary contributing member of CCSAR for virtually all of its years and served until his health prevented it. [memorial]
Alice Kugelman founded CCSAR in 1994 with her Newfoundland, Juno and left a great legacy. [memorial]
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