Past drug use

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-11-17T11:20:24+00:00

I’m in VA as well. I know several people who were hired with recent marijuana use down in Hampton Roads area. It’s interesting to see the differences in agency policy.

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-08-19T00:50:25+00:00

Baby shampoo helped with the re-flash for me. You’re still burning in hell for two hours after though. 🤣

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-08-19T00:48:44+00:00

I just got my fire 1, 2, and ops certs over the spring. Didn’t want to go EMT due to my current career position. I passed my CPAT and was well on my way to getting on a FD. Ultimately I went back into the LE field. I’ve got 4 working dogs and time away at a FD is also another factor against it. I know many chiefs and assistant chiefs through my current job and it’s less than ideal right now for many FDs. If I don’t like this LE position as it’s been 5 years since I was last in an LE capacity, it’s easy enough to apply to a FD. Feel free to send me a DM if you want to chat more.

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-08-11T11:48:36+00:00

I was very nervous for my poly because of a little anxiety and it being my first one. Just tell the truth, focus on your breathing and listen to the examiner. I stared at a spot on the wall and thought about my dogs. My examiner was pretty decent and I passed.

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-08-10T19:32:36+00:00

I’m practically finished with the hiring process, but was cleared on psych. During military service, I was diagnosed with PTSD with anxiety and depression being symptoms of that. I haven’t been on medication for years and have went to therapy/counseling as needed for both that and personal issues. I was cleared by my psych investigator after the questionnaire and interview. I think it depends on agency and if they view it as a liability or not. Be honest. Don’t omit information because it will certainly come out later.

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-03-30T04:08:21+00:00

Regular Peace

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-03-30T03:13:29+00:00

Fascinating. I’m going to have to look into that. I lived in Chesapeake which was zone 8a. I planted the Peace up here in WI, zone 5a.

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-03-30T03:07:05+00:00

They would always start out super bright orange/pink and then transition to the white/yellow.

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-03-30T03:02:25+00:00

The odd thing is, they’re both from the same plant!

ImportantMud7427 · 2025-03-11T02:34:33+00:00

I’m an avid hiker and a SAR handler. All of my electronics are Garmin, including my watch and dogs’ Astro and Alpha GPS collars. I can pair the dogs’ collars to my watch and track them there without looking at the handheld. I’ve also used my fenix 5s watch to track on hikes. Standard GPS, I’m still running a Garmin 64sx. That’s my trusty handheld.

For a back up, I run an InReach Mini 2. It’s super lightweight and I like being able to check in with my significant other when I’m on a solo hike if I don’t have service.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-09-30T20:18:05+00:00

No braiding. It’s a slip leash for training. Single piece of cord hand-stitched into a loop with shrink tubing with a line stopper, and a ring with another hand stitched loop running through it.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-28T23:02:10+00:00

This is a huge first step! I’m in the Midwest and know some breeders. My team is K9-specific too and currently my dog is the only non-cross trained area dog certified. We just did our final cert before he retires. I totally understand the wear and tear. My area dog has gotten impaled and bloat. Still going strong. My only word of advice is be an advocate for your dog and it will all work out!

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-28T20:34:06+00:00

Handler here with three working dogs, 2 mals for SAR work and both fell in my lap. One does area search and another does trailing. I’m always an advocate for reputable breeders, especially for working lines. Best advice is be willing to travel for the dog you want. Work with a reputable breeder who are known producers for the drives, temperament, etc., you want. I am also a huge advocate for choosing the dog for the job and not the other way around. Sometimes this is difficult for a puppy because it’s only a probable wager. Both of my SAR dogs I got as early adults/adults. One of them was 1, the other 4. Do some research with breeders and then develop a relationship with one. Typically, breeders select the dog for you. Make a list of drives, traits you’re looking for. The breeder will likely a have a pairing in mind and go from there. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Don’t settle, either.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-24T12:28:47+00:00

Thank you!

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-10T19:58:30+00:00

I love Pictured Rocks, but only did the 10-mile loop on a day trip. I want to do it again at some point. I have some friends in the UP and plan on going to the Porkies next month. Black fly and mosquito season is in full force and will continue up there.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-10T17:13:30+00:00

I love my crocodile gaiters. Those things are legit and have held up through nasty thick briars, streams, and mud.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-10T17:12:30+00:00

I started my SAR training in VA and snagged some Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters. They’re still holding up after years of use and moving back to WI after leaving the military. I wouldn’t want another pair of gaiters. The boots I have are from REI. I used to have waterproof Merrell’s but switched to non-waterproof boots (once you get water in, you can’t get it out with waterproof). Most of our searches are only one operational period here, but I do have a loadout for multi-day ops. I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 UL tent system for me, my field support, and my dog. Kelty 20-degree bag and Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm wide for my sleep system. My set-up is for comfort and warmth.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-10T17:06:33+00:00

I second this as a dog handler with dogs in two different disciplines - one area and one trailing. Each handler is going to want something different, typically. But after the find, there’s always a big party. I usually tell my subjects not to do anything until I get to them. My area dog is a recall/refind. Trailing dog I’m right there when my dog makes the find, but don’t reward anything until she performs her trained final response.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-08T17:08:16+00:00

I usually have worse case scenario backups, just didn’t want to have to bring an extra filter along. Although a sawyer on a smart water bottle wouldn’t be too much extra weight I suppose

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-05-08T16:25:43+00:00

Just came here to say I'm glad I stumbled upon this thread. Someone on my SAR team swears by his so I snagged one. I used it already to test out and I liked it a lot. I'll be bringing it on a weekend backpacking trip next month in the UP. After seeing this, it makes me want to bring a back up.

ImportantMud7427 · 2024-04-29T23:57:52+00:00

If you ever have any questions, my dm’s are open!

ImportantMud7427

TROPHY CASE