Canine accelerant detection teams from all over the country gathered at the Wayne County, Ohio, Fire and Rescue Regional	Training center main building
Training Center  October 16-18 to participate in CADA’s Conference 2003.  The weather was "dog training weather" (cool and slightly damp),   the facilities were wonderful, and the training and the proficiency testing were successfully accomplished by all teams.	Firemen prepare pod for work
Thursday, the first day of the Conference, began with registration and a continental breakfast at the training center. Jim Shriver, director of the facility, welcomed us once again and proceeded to make us feel at home, always available for our every need. After a welcome by President	Steve Reichert and 'Ellie Mae' in pod
Jeanne Brock and a review of the testing and field exercises, Billy Schweizer was introduced as proctor and administrator of the proficiency testing.  Billy has served  in this capacity for a number of years, always with  integrity and professionalism.  CADA thanks Billy, and Paul Gallagher, Maine Specialty Dogs, for their great support and assistance. The program began with a lecture	Brian Peterman and 'Ashes'
by attorney David C. Comstock Jr., Esq. of Comstock, Springer & Wilson, Youngstown, Ohio.  Mr. Comstock has worked extensively with the canine detector teams in Ohio and brought to CADA a wealth of information concerning legal updates, expert witness testimony,  and NFPA 921.  Open discussion was lively and	Jeanne Brock and 'Flame' train at the wheel

Next was a presentation by Mark A. Yacapraro, DVM, from the Wooster Aninal Clinic in Wooster, Ohio. Dr. Yacapraro’s discussion included common over-the-counter drugs that  may rightly or wrongly be used in treatment of our dogs, and his first-hand knowledge of the working accelerant detector dog provided valuable information to canine handlers.

After a hot lunch, catered to the facility, handlers and their canine partners participated in training sessions and practical exercises in vehicles and the burn building. 

The afternoon  was devoted to training sessions on the tower and stairs, the burn building, mall, outside open area, and clothing lineup.   Critiques were given to each team as they worked in the various areas, and their questions were addressed immediately after each area was completed.

The CADA Proficiency Testing  was next on the agenda – this part of the testing was completed in short order, with all teams doing well.

Upon completion of the Proficiency Testing, teams returned to the various areas to continue training sessions and practical exercises. 

Then participants departed for dinner on their own, after which the day concluded with the CADA annual business meeting, back at the hotel in the hospitality suite.

The second day, Friday, began with a continental breakfast at the training facility; then the Practical Skill Testing began with Vehicle Search.

Teams then returned to the classroom to hear a very interesting lecture by David Green, chemist, Lake County Regional Forensic Laboratory, on Fire Debris and K9 Sample Testing.  As a chemist with a long history of working with K9’s, David had some interesting insight on the subject and is a firm believer in the use of the K9.

Nationwide Insurance Company provided a wonderful hot lunch; then teams worked the burn pods.  These were live burns, set and extinguished by Wooster Township Fire & Rescue.  Teams worked these as soon as they were cooled, moving on afterward to the fire tower to climb the open steps and work several levels.

The afternoon’s work concluded with the Practical Skill Test Evolution #4 Article Search.

Dinner that evening was a CADA-sponsored event at The Amish Restaurant.

Saturday, the last day of the Conference, began with Practical Skill Test Evolution #1 Building Search, and after a short break, the Evolution #2 Perimeter Search.

No retesting was necessary – all teams performed well on all phases of testing.   Certificates were handed out for attendance and testing, after which attendants discussed  the new testing.  Everyone agreed that it was an important step for CADA to expand its testing, and that the new Practical Skills Tests were a fair and realistic evaluation of a working K9 team.  (Click here to look at the Practical Skills Tests)

This Conference 2003 was a combination of  very informative lectures and  excellent training exercises as well as the Proficiency and Practical Skills testing.  Although the schedule was  tight, everyone had ample opportunity to work and learn.  Our proctor, Billy Schweizer, was always available for further training and help at any time during the three days.

CADA’s thanks go to Bob Gartner and  Brian Peterman for hosting an excellent Conference 2003!