Rescue Support atthe World Trade Center Ground Zero

  Richard T. Sparks

Security Engineering Department 5861Sandia National Laboratories (MS-0781)

Albuquerque, NM 87185-0781505-844-4102

rtspark@sandia.gov

Rescue Support atthe World Trade Center Ground Zero

• Background– National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded

• David Boyd, Director, Office of Science and Technology

– Department of Energy (DOE) support• Air transportation

– 22 days at ground zero beginning September 15th– K-9 Cameras supported 6 dog teams 24 / 7– SNL and FEMA pictures / information

• Richard Sparks, SNL 5861• Mary Green, SNL 5861• Michael Rieger, FEMA

• Dog Collar (~20 ounces total)

– Cameras with audio capability• 1/3” format B&W, 4.7mm lens (70 deg FOV), low light (.05 lux)• 3/4” x 1” x 1”, 2 ounces

– RF Transceivers• Low power, no license required• 3/8” x 2” x 3”, 2 ounces, 1000’ range

– Rechargeable Batteries• Collar: 8AA, 8 hr design life, <1 lb• Some ran 2 plus shifts (20 to 24 hrs)

• Recorder– 8mm, 4 channel, 5-7/8” x 5-1/8” x 1-3/4”

• Monitors / Receivers– Neck worn for handler

• 2.5” TFT color screen, <2 lbs w batteries

– Briefcase for “supervisor”

World Trade Center Ground ZeroK-9 Cam Equipment

• Lessons Learned– Record / Playback– 900 MHz vs 2.4 GHz

• Cell phone traffic interference a 900 MHz

– Quick release collar• Velcro release if caught on debris• Tailored to dog size

– Camera location– Very positive dog / handler team reactions

• Other Techniques / Enhancements– Poles and Ropes, Robots– Temperature / Time stamp / Hazardous Gas– Color / IR Comm / Repeaters

Rescue Support atthe World Trade Center Ground Zero

NIJ Asked Sandia to provide helpfor Search and Rescue Teams

K-9 Collar CameraDeveloped for WTC Search

Handler With Neck Worn Monitor

K-9 System Used at the WTC

Typical Search

Area Searched by K-9 with Camera

Area that K-9 with camera searched.(Video was recorded on this search.)

Vet Checks K-9 After 12 Hour Shift

We Will Never Forget!

On Display

• Still pictures on display boards.• K-9 video available for viewing.• Demonstration of equipment used at

WTC.• Richard Sparks:

– 505-844-4102, rtspark@sandia.gov