Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

James Sullivan

North Wales

Summary

K9 Handler with experience at Pennsylvania Canine Search and Rescue and VMSC 345, specializing in Area Live Find, Human Remains Detection and team leadership. Proven track record in successful searches, enhancing public perception through community outreach, and fostering mentorship among new handlers. Strong decision-making skills complement expertise in K9 obedience training, ensuring optimal performance in critical situations.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

K9 Handler

Pennsylvania Canine Search and Rescue
05.2025 - Current

K9 Handler with canines Boston and Scout. Recently deployed with both canines on May 19 and 20, 2025. This was a cold case suspecting the subject deceased. This was for the Berks county coroner and the U.S. Marshals.

K9 Handler

VMSC 345 Lansdale
04.2023 - Current
  • K9 handler of two canines. Scout (German Shepherd) is dual purpose. Certified by PSARC in Human Remains and Certified by AMPWDA in Area Live Find. Scout has been training and working for about 5 years now. Boston (Labrador Retriever) is single purpose. Certified by AMPWDA in Human Remains. Boston has been training and working for about 2 years. She recently certified.
  • Supported fellow teammates during emergency situations, providing valuable K9 assistance and expertise.
  • Maintained accurate records on K9 training progress, certifications, and deployment outcomes for department review.
  • Enhanced K9 unit performance by conducting regular training sessions and drills.
  • Fostered a supportive learning environment for new handlers by sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights on effective K9 handling techniques.
  • Collaborated with other agencies for joint operations, maximizing effectiveness of combined resources and skills.
  • Ensured the health and well-being of the K9 partner through proper care, exercise, and nutrition management.
  • Improved public perception of Search and Rescue by participating in community outreach programs with the K9 partner.
  • Trained animals to respond to specific cues from both owners and handlers.
  • Instructed and supervised volunteers and staff on proper animal handling procedures.
  • Delivered public presentations to educate emergency personnel and public on animal training and behavior.

K9 Handler

Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue
04.2020 - 04.2023
  • Supported fellow teammates during emergency situations, providing valuable K9 assistance and expertise.
  • Participated in successful searches leading to the reuniting of loved ones to their families. Also bringing closure for families.
  • Established positive connections between law enforcement and local schools through engaging educational presentations involving the role of a K9 handler.
  • Improved public perception of Search and Rescue by

participating in community outreach programs with the

K9 partner.

Education

Relevant SAR Education

Canine Seminars And Workshops

Skills

    Human Remains Detection

    Area Search Live Find

    Wilderness Survival

    Team Leading and Mentorship

    K9 Obedience Training

    Strong decision-making

Timeline

K9 Handler

Pennsylvania Canine Search and Rescue
05.2025 - Current

K9 Handler

VMSC 345 Lansdale
04.2023 - Current

K9 Handler

Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue
04.2020 - 04.2023

Relevant SAR Education

Canine Seminars And Workshops
James Sullivan