We are now accepting applications for the 2024 FIRS HRD trainings! *BOTH SESSIONS FULL*
Apply below for the Session 2 waitlist. For questions about the training, contact Alex Smith ajsmith4@coloradomesa.edu
FIRS Canine-Handler Training Registration Application Form
Please complete the following application for enrollment in the FIRS HRD Seminar. Completion of this application does not guarantee enrollment in the course. All applications will be reviewed by FIRS staff and qualified affiliates; those candidates selected for participation will be contacted with online enrollment and payment instructions. All fields are required, complete all field forms to avoid delay in application review. Enrollment spaces are limited by the number of instructors; we strive to maintain a 4:1 canine-handler team to instructor ratio so that canines and handlers may maximize their training and learning experience.
Additional Required Information - Please read thoroughly to avoid delay in the application process!
All applications must be accompanied by the following documentation: Canine-Handler teams: (1) Canine handler CV; (2) Proof of completion of national certification within the last year/active national certification; and (3) a digital photograph of the canine participating in the course. Non-canine handler participants: (1) CV; (2) Brief letter of interest outlining experience, affiliations (including SAR, law enforcement, or other medicolegal relevant agency), interest in the course, and why the course will be of benefit/relevant to professional goals and practice. Your online application will not be considered until all supporting documentation has been submitted. Please submit supporting documentation in A SINGLE EMAIL to Alex Smith (ajsmith4@coloradomesa.edu). We will continue to review applications until the course fills.
Cost: $425
The cost of registration includes snacks, water, lunch, all training materials (including hard copies of classroom materials), t-shirt, and FIRS patch.
When: June 13-14 and June 15-16
The first session (June 13-14) is the classic FIRS HRD Seminar for new and returning teams. The second session (June 15-16) is designed for teams who have already attended the classic FIRS HRD Seminar (this year or a previous year) and are looking for new training opportunities at the FIRS facility. See the FIRS website for full course descriptions: https://www.coloradomesa.edu/forensic-investigation-research-station/continuing-education/recovery.html
Where: Forensic Investigation Research Station (FIRS), Whitewater CO
Our facility is located approximately seven miles southeast of downtown Grand Junction. Participants are responsible for lodging and transportation.
Contact
All questions should be directed to Alex Smith at ajsmith4@coloradomesa.edu. Please allow 48-hours for response.
Handler Name (as you would like it to appear on your course certificate)
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First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Handler Name (as you would like it to appear on your name tag)
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First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Address
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Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number
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Applicant E-mail
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Email will serve as our primary means of contact, please provide the address to an active, frequented account. We never share information.
I am a:
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Canine-handler team
Handler only
Handler support
Other
Canine Name (as you would like it to read on your course certificate)
Canine Name (as you would like it to read on your name tag )
Canine's primary breed
Canine's Age
Canine's Sex
Please Select
Neutered Male
Spayed Female
Intact Male
Intact Female
Reward
Toy
Food
Praise
Other
Alert
Scratch/dig
Bark
Re-find
Canine-handler physical contact
Other
How long have you been a canine-handler team?
What is your team (or professional) affiliation?
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Which session would you like to attend? Those applying to attend session 2 (FUR-ensic Finds) must have either completed the FIRS HRD workshop in a previous year or enroll in both sessions this year. (BOTH SESSIONS FULL)
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WAITLIST: Session 1: FUR-ensic Canines in Court (June 13-14)
WAITLIST: Session 2: FUR-ensic Finds (June 15-16)
Canines must be confined throughout handler training (classroom) modules. Dogs may be crated within the FIRS indoor, air conditioned facility. Trainers will be responsible for providing an appropriate crate and water bowl (equipment may be left on site for the duration of the workshop).
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I will provide a crate and water bowl for use during classroom training.
I have alternative plans and will not crate my dog indoors during classroom training.
I will not be accompanied by a canine.
If you do not intend to crate your dog within the FIRS indoor facility during lecture, specify where and how your dog will be confined.
I understand that the registration fee, once paid, is non-refundable and transferable only with prior approval.
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Agree
I understand that all training will take place at the FIRS facility in Whitewater, CO. Participants are responsible for transportation and lodging while in town.
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Agree
I understand that completion of the registration application does not grant me a spot in the course. All required paperwork must be submitted, reviewed, and approved. Course enrollment is not complete until course registration fees have been paid.
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Agree
I understand that while on the FIRS campus I will be accompanied by an escort at all times.
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Agree
I agree to work only the dog approved throughout the workshop and will have only the approved dog in my company. If registered as handler only or handler support, I understand that I am not permitted to bring a canine with me to the course.
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Agree
I agree to park in designated areas.
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Agree
I agree to relieve my dog in designated potty sites only, relieve my dog regularly to minimize the chance of accidents, and to pick-up after my dog.
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Agree
N/A (Handler only/handler support participants only)
I understand that I will be in close proximity to human remains in various states of active decomposition. I acknowledge that I have elected to enter the outdoor facility and/or related training sites and that I have not been required to do so. I may stay in the indoor facility, if I so wish.
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Agree
I understand that viewing human remains may be disturbing to some. Should I experience recurring issues after the visit I elect to pursue counseling services and I do not hold CMU or any FIRS representative or affiliated parties liable for any such issues.
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Agree
I will not touch, lift, photograph, or remove ANYTHING from the FIRS indoor/outdoor facilities and understand that doing so will result in immediate expulsion without refund.
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Agree
I agree that the use of cell phones and cameras is prohibited within FIRS facilities and may only be used in designated areas.
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Agree
I understand that attempts to handle or remove human remains will result in immediate expulsion without refund.
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Agree
I will not allow my dog to urinate or defecate on human remains.
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Agree
N/A (Handler only/handler support participants only)
I agree to work my dog on leash when directed to do so by an instructor. I agree to maintain control of my dog at all times and understand that failure to do so may result in expulsion from the course without refund.
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Agree
N/A (Handler only/handler support participants only)
I will not allow my dog to eat, grab, roll-in, climb on, or otherwise disturb human remains.
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Agree
N/A (Handler only/handler support participants only)
I agree to wear all proper PPE, as directed by FIRS personnel.
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Agree
I agree to perform all personal and canine decontamination protocol, including dog foot bath procedure, after training inside the FIRS facility, as needed (canines will not be exposed to harsh or hazardous cleaning treatment).
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Agree
I understand that I may not provide food treats to any canine within the FIRS facility or adjacent sites containing human remains.
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Agree
I understand that toy reward may not involve long retrieves within the FIRS facility or designated training areas.
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Agree
N/A (Handler only/handler support participants only)
I understand that the FIRS facility is situated in a high-altitude, semi-arid environment. Temperatures in the summer regularly exceed 100 degrees (F). I will take proper precautions to ensure the safety of myself, and my canine companion, and will report any observed signs of distress in other canine-handler teams.
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Agree
I understand that the FIRS facility is a natural, uncontrolled outdoor environment which may contain typical natural hazards such as plants, insects, spiders, snakes, and sundry wildlife. I assume responsibility for the safety of myself, and my canine while working in the facility and affiliated training sites.
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Agree
I understand that I will be working in close proximity to fellow trainers and their canines. I assume responsibility for myself and my canine, and will not hold FIRS liable for injury to dog or handler (this includes handler only and support participants).
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Agree
I understand that I will be working in close proximity to fellow trainers and their canines. I assume responsibility for myself and my canine, and will be held liable for injury to dog or handler resulting from handler-dog team misconduct.
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Agree
I understand that any participant and handler-dog team misconduct which compromises safety, or disrupts the training environment may result in expulsion without refund.
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Agree
I agree to not allow my dog to visit with other dogs and be conscious of K9 body space while waiting my turn to perform practical training exercises.
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Agree
N/A (Handler only/handler support participants only)
As a human participating in the course (canine handler, handler only, support student): I agree to be conscious of K9 body space and will not approach, pet, feed, or otherwise engage/distract canine participants without express handler permission.
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Agree
I agree to control my dog throughout canine training exercises (while waiting to enter and while on the course). I agree to limit my time on the course to that allotted to me in the program, and will refrain from re-running courses without explicit prior consent or during designated open course times.
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Agree
N/A (Handler only/handler support participants only)
I agree to behave as a professional, with respect and consideration for the FIRS staff, instructors, assistants, and fellow canine handlers.
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Agree
I recognize that the FIRS facility is a working anthropological research facility housing several active and ongoing research projects. I will conduct myself with the highest integrity and hold my dog to the highest standards in training and behavior.
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Agree
By typing my name below, I acknowledge that I understand violation of any of the above rules may result in immediate expulsion from the FIRS facility.
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