Every Dog Has His Day At NUSAR Demonstration

By Dottie Evans

Among those who had a wonderful time at the Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue (NUSAR) demonstration at the Dickinson Park pool on Saturday were an English springer spaniel named Lionel, a bloodhound named Fergus, several golden retrievers, and a Newfoundland –– all good dogs eager to do what they had been trained to do, namely, assist in water-related emergencies.

It didn’t matter if the “emergencies” were staged, or if the dogs had to repeat the training exercises over and over to get it right. Their joy in performing their tasks was apparent to onlookers and trainers alike.

While waiting onshore, they strained at their leashes. Eager to get down to business, they barked with excitement and frustration. When their turn came, they plunged willingly into the frigid waters to retrieve tennis balls from the NUSAR divers, or they rode high in the bow of the inflatable rescue boat, sniffing the air for evidence of human scent beneath the water.

The dogs’ earnest dedication belied the grisly significance of their mission, which in many real emergencies would be to help recover drowning victims. There is always the hope that a swift rescue by a skilled dog might save a life, and this, of course, is the ultimate goal of all NUSAR activities.

“When the smallest particles rise to the surface, a dog riding in a search craft can smell them and will immediately confirm the spot by barking or jumping into the water,” said NUSAR Chief Mike McCarthy, who had donned a diving suit and oxygen tanks and spent most of the three-hour demonstration underwater. He acted as a target in the training exercises.

Mr McCarthy is one of two charter members of NUSAR, an all-volunteer organization that was founded in 1989 and includes approximately 23 divers and nondivers. It is the primary responder for any water-related emergencies in Newtown and promotes water safety and safe boating through loaner life jacket and safety awareness programs. NUSAR also responds to the needs of surrounding towns that do not have a trained canine water rescue team.

“Last year, we assisted New Fairfield in response to a drowning in Ball Pond when they called for mutual aid. And we’ve cooperated with the Redding Police Department and Wilton Dive Team in running training sessions,” Mr McCarthy said.

“One hand washes the other. With mutual aid, everyone goes when anyone needs help,” he added.

Saturday’s demonstration was a fundraiser sponsored by the Newtown Woman’s Club (GFWC) on behalf of both NUSAR and the Connecticut Canine Search And Rescue (CCSAR).

More than 50 visitors made donations of $5 and $10 to watch the maneuvers, to enjoy free refreshments, to hear the divers explain the exercises, and to watch the handlers work with the dogs, to peek inside the newly refurbished NUSAR rescue truck just put into service three weeks ago, and to support the two canine rescue groups.