Kevin Pirtle
AMPWDA Trainer
Kevin served in the United States Navy for six years. While
serving, he was also on an area volunteer fire department, which led
him to going to EMT school. In EMT school, Kevin found his life's
work. His desire to help people has escalated his career allowing
him to continue his medical education to paramedic. Kevin has been a
paramedic for 20 years. He has flown with a air medical service and
worked ground ambulance. Kevin is now a firefighter/paramedic at a
major international airport. In addition to his position with
AMPWDA, he is a trailing instructor with International Bloodhound
Training Institute.
He got his first bloodhound four years ago and with the assistance
of his breeder, he entered the world of search and rescue. Kevin
says Chase had so much energy he had to have a job, so he began
training him in Mantrailing. Kevin and Chase are AMPWDA certified
level 2 in Mantrailing. Kevin also has a female bloodhound named
Khloe. Khloe is AMPWDA certified level 3 in Mantrailing. Kevin works
his hounds in different environments several times a week on his
days off. He has worked with law enforcement agencies to trail
criminals and assisted in the search for lost/missing individuals.
Because of his career, Kevin has education in NIMS/ICS, CPR, triage
and scene safety. All of which may be useful in search and rescue
operations. He has been trained to respond as a tactical paramedic
to active shooter situations to care for the wounded. He is attached
to two search and rescue organizations in Texas. Mark9 is a SAR team
in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex that will respond across the state
when requested. Mark9 is able to respond with Air scent, Human
Remains, or trailing K9's to best match the resources needed. The
Cross Timbers Emergency Response Team is out of the Stephenville, TX
area. Cross Timbers members assist with medical emergencies as well
as other emergency situations throughout the county. Kevin is the
only K9 handler on the team at the present time.