K-9 Dixie and her handler Michael Thomas

Dixie is an AKC registered German Shepard and is currently in training to become a certified urban trailing and air scent search dog. She enjoys working and loves to tug and play fetch.

Michael has been training with Dixie for the last year to improve both their skills in the Search and Rescue field.

Michael is currently the Engineering Services Manager for Milliken Chemical. At Milliken Chemical he is currently an Emergency Coordinator in charge of Emergency Response, Fire Chief, and First Aid CPR Instructor. He has been a volunteer fireman in Spartanburg County for nine years and is a member of the Spartanburg County Hazmat Team and a certified Medical First Responder. He has experience in the NIMS Incident Command System, Confined Space Rescue, and Hazmat Emergencies.