In the event of a disaster, Sally Zaher hopes to be on hand with her dog Breck to help with search and recovery missions.
The Ravenna Township firefighter was recently selected to the Ohio Task Force 1 after more than a year of extensive training.
She is a current member of the Portage County Task Force, and the first firefighter/paramedic to be accepted to Ohio Task Force 1 " or OH-TF1.
"It's kind of hard to get on the team, and it's something I've always wanted to do," she said. "I went through the whole process and I think proved myself."
Falling under the umbrella of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the task force was called for assistance during the aftermath's of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina.
Ravenna Township Fire Chief Steve Bosso said Breck and Zaher will take part in rescue missions, such as hunting for a missing person inside of a collapsed building, but could also be called for disasters across state lines.
"I don't think people realize how important their jobs are," said Bosso. "This is big for Portage County."
Breck never leaves Sally's side and the 4-month-old pup has been cleared to stay with Sally at the station.
"Everyday we have a training exercise" she said. "I'm sure I drive my co-workers crazy."
The black and white border collie needs to be 18 months old to meet FEMA's standards and then he can officially join her " although he's passed the preliminary tests.
"I've tested a lot of dogs, none of them worked out," Zaher said. "Breck aced everything " socialization skills and indifference to noise distraction " he's a good little pup."
Bosso views Breck as a "federal asset."
"He looks just like a normal dog," said Bosso. "I don't think he knows his future yet. I think it will be fun to watch him develop as a search dog."
He said Zaher and her faithful friend are the first K-9 search and rescue duo ever from Portage County.
"I am proud to welcome Breck to the Ravenna Township Fire Department, and very proud of Sally as she begins her membership to an elite and nationally recognized search and rescue team," he said.
Trustee Hank Gibson said he is pleased with the search and rescue duo's success with the rescue teams.
"This brings positive recognition to the township," he said. "Hopefully, we won't have to use them, but if we did, it's good to know they are available."
Trustee Pat Artz said that Breck is well-trained, and is an asset to the township.
"And he's is absolutely precious," Artz said. "We're delighted."