PLATTSBURGH -- Two first-time participants brought some variety to the fourth-annual Fire and Injury Prevention Day, put on by the Morrisonville Fire Department.

Event organizer Justin Burl of the Morrisonville Fire Department said it was a pleasure to have the Keeseville Fire Department's Swift Water Rescue Team and the Champlain Valley Search and Rescue K9 Unit take part.

ADVICE FOR KIDS

The Champlain Valley Search and Rescue K9 Unit was represented by Team Leader Chris Bresett and three handlers, as well as three of their six rescue dogs. The non-profit organization is in its second year.

The team does a lot of presentations in local schools to get children familiar with rescue dogs.

"We help them to recognize the big dog with a large orange vest" as a friend, Bresett said.

Team members also make presentations on the Hug-A-Tree program, six steps to help children survive if they are lost in the wilderness. Children are told to hug a tree because they are more likely to become rescued if they stay in one place.

They should always carry a trash bag when on a hike, picnic or camping trip, which can be used to help stay warm and dry.

A whistle is also essential, as the sound travels farther than voice.

Bresett said each handler and canine goes through about 18 months of training. The team, which is based in Keeseville, has 15 human members.

Dogs start to be trained at eight weeks old for agility, obedience and a specialty field, Bresett said. Two dogs are trained in water rescue and cadaver search, two in air scent tracking and one in regular tracking.

The handlers receive training in winter and summer survival, orienteering and evidence collection.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

Keeseville Fire Chief Lenny Martin represented the Keeseville Fire Department's Swift Water Rescue Team.

The team has received two instances of recognition as a result of its efforts during the 11-day search in the Ausable River after a raft carrying Mark Dragoon capsized in June 2006. His body was found well downstream on June 15.