KCKFD’s Live-Find Canine “Zoom” Marks 100th Call for Action

Kansas City, KS — The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department is proud to announce that Live-Find Canine Zoom, a 9-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, has officially completed his 100th call for action, a remarkable milestone in his distinguished career serving the community and the nation.

“Zoom joined the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department in March 2019, as our Rescue K9, after many deployments, including Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and the flooding in central Kentucky earlier this year. On December 11, 2025, Zoom, along with his handler, Urban Search and Rescue Fire Captain Mike Searcy, responded to Zoom’s 100th rescue activation. This response was for a patient in distress in the wooded area around Wyandotte Lake. Zoom is an incredible lifesaving asset for the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department”, said Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin.  

Zoom joined the department in December 2018 and entered service in March 2019 after passing his first certification test. He is currently a FEMA Type I Live-Find Canine, the highest certification level attainable, and one held by only about 300 dogs nationwide. Zoom serves as a deployable asset with Missouri Task Force 1, responding to natural and manmade disasters across the country.

Throughout his career, Zoom has deployed to Hurricanes Dorian, Beryl, and Helene, as well as flood incidents in Kentucky and Kansas City, Kansas. He is regularly called upon for missing person searches throughout the Kansas City Metro, assisting law enforcement and fire departments alike.

Zoom’s first call came in March 2019, assisting in the search for a missing child in Independence, Missouri. Since then, he has continued to serve with unmatched dedication, helping bring closure to countless families and communities.

Beyond emergency response, Zoom is a familiar and beloved presence in the community, visiting schools and public events to educate the public about search and rescue work. His service and spirit have earned national recognition — in 2021, he was voted one of the Top 15 Working Dogs in the United States in the Aftermath K9 Grant program, selected from more than 600 nominees nationwide.

Zoom’s handler, Captain Mike Searcy has been partnered with him since 2018. The two share a rare and powerful bond — one built on trust, teamwork, and shared purpose.

“Being a firefighter is the best job in the world,” said Captain Searcy “But getting to do it alongside a K9 like Zoom has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. He’s not just my partner — he’s family.”

At home, Zoom is very much a member of the Searcy family and is extremely close to Mike’s kids. When off duty, Zoom sleeps with Mike’s son every night and is the undefeated hide-and-seek champion of the house — something Mike’s daughter insists is unfair to everyone else who plays.

Zoom is scheduled to retire in December 2026, but his impact will continue to be felt long after. Whether on deployment, in the classroom, or at home, Zoom embodies the dedication, loyalty, and heart of the fire service.

Scott Schaunaman

Assistant Chief/Public Information Officer             

Cell: (913) 488-4031   Email:  sschaunaman@kckfd.org