2006 I.P.W.D.A. Explosive Detector Dog Seminar, Boston MA

The 2006 International Police Work Dog Association Explosive Detector Dog Seminar has come and gone. Hosted in Boston on April 2nd through the 6th by the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Transit Police, Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. This event was the first of its kind to be held in the New England area and was a huge success.
As a canine handler for the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service, it was my first time being part of a planning committee for such an event. Remembering back in the early planning stages my hopes were to get 30 or 40 teams to attend, never imagining we would have 89 attendees. Only having a few months to plan, the seminar went off without any major problems. I would like to give a special thanks to Master Trainer Richard Sheehy (aka “the dog father”) for his time and dedication.
IPWDA Master Trainers that were present were Richard Sheehy, Tyler Clark, Al Gill, Richard Studley and Jay Staples. Trainers that assisted in the seminar were Tracy Campbell, Larry Culbert and Ken Kelleher.
Teams came from across country to attend this workshop. K-9 teams traveled from California, Texas, Florida, Canada, Bermuda and places in between. Not only did teams experience new training venues, but also they got to experience first hand the different weather conditions of New England including snow.
I had the pleasure of not only meeting K-9 teams from other departments and agencies, the seminar also brought together 10 K-9 teams from other Federal Protective Service Regions across the country, including Puerto Rico. It gave me a chance to meet and to put a face to a name. Our agency deploys teams to areas of the country for National Special Security Events and emergencies and having a chance to meet and work with other FPS teams was a bonus.
Colors by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department along with the Massachusetts State Police Pipe & Drums opened the welcoming remarks ceremony. VIP’s from each of the hosting agencies were present and were presented with certificates of appreciation from Richard McQueary, President of the International Police Work Dog Association. I would like to give a special thanks to members of the honor guard and pipes & drums. The dinner banquet was held on Wednesday and was fully attended since the hotel had to at the last minute add two tables to get everyone seated. Congrats to all the raffle winners.
Training venues included buses, vehicles, large aircrafts, buildings, baggage and a motor vehicle loaded with a large amount of dynamite. Teams had the chance to work with IPWDA Master Trainers and Trainers alike. Over 60 teams received certification through the IPWDA. Also on hand were the ATF National Canine Training and Operations Branch to administer the NORT and peroxide-based explosives imprinting.
I also had the pleasure of working with MT Richard Sheehy at the Federal building training venue for the first few days and assisted in running the Phase 1 Odor Recognition test. Dick’s dedication to each handler was evident with the line of teams waiting their chance to run the test. Dick has hands on approach and it was interesting to watch. I also got a chance to work with MT Tyler Clark on building and vehicle searches.
Lectures included Explosives Properties/Identification, recent IED’s recovered by a K-9 team, TSA overview, and a lecture from a Kong Co. behaviorist trainer.
Hopefully next year’s seminar will be a greater success with the lessons learned from this year. Thanks to all who attended and see you next year!

Be Safe,
Antoinetta Steely
Federal Protective Service