SOS Robert J. Noziska

Robert J. Noziska served as the Special Operations Supervisor (SOS) and Canine Coordinator for the United States Border Patrol Special Operations Group (SOG) in El Paso, Texas.  SOS Noziska was assigned to the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) since its inception in 1998.  SOS Noziska was the driving force behind the implementation of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Canine Program for the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP).  He became the first Border Patrol Agent SAR Canine Handler to become an Instructor in 2003, and has been training canine teams for the Border Patrol ever since. 

SOS Noziska developed many of the techniques and training methods currently used by USBP SAR/Tracking canine teams today. This began in 2001 when he trained his first canine to follow tracks back to their origin (backtracking) even after being told that it was not possible. Subsequently he developed methods to train other Border Patrol canines to backtrack. This groundbreaking technique proved very effective for locating and rescuing people left behind by smugglers to die in the harsh environments of the southern border regions. SOS Noziska successfully integrated his backtracking techniques into the Search and Rescue Canine curriculum ensuring all future SAR Canines were trained in this skill.  The backtracking discipline has contributed to countless lives saved along the southwest border.  Author Susan Bulanda even credited Noziska for his training techniques in the chapter, “Back-tracking Canines,” in her book, “Ready” (Bulanda, 2012)

SOS Noziska was also instrumental in integrating and training canines to work with horse patrol units that have successfully deployed along the southwest border.  SOS Noziska also received a service award recognizing him for his innovative techniques in training canines to search for long distances by clearing roads and a multitude of terrain while the handler follows from an all-terrain vehicle. SOS Noziska has authored certifications, written articles for canine magazines and the CBP Website, and performed Podcasts and “question and answer” forums for canine related topics.  

SOS Noziska has used his unique skillsets to train U.S. Government personnel and numerous state and local agencies. His success is due in part, to his ability to train in various canine disciplines. SOS Noziska currently holds multiple certifications allowing him to instruct Human Remains Detection, Tracking/Trailing, Search and Rescue, Obedience and Concealed Human/Narcotics Detection.  He is currently a Master Trainer/Lead Evaluator/Instructor for:

• United States Border Patrol;

• North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA);

• National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR);

• National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA)

• National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA).

His qualifications, along with his broad experience in understanding search strategies, man tracking, and land navigation using global positioning systems make him a highly sought after instructor. He has trained dog teams for foreign government agencies and consulted many agencies within our own government. His ability to train and run his own canines has produced high risk operational deployments within the United States as well as overseas. SOS Noziska’s dedication and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and his innate ability to train canines to do the same is truly a unique skill.

Most recently, Agent Noziska trained his canine Rico to be the first of its kind, a Tunnel Detection Dog.  So far, Agent Noziska has deployed two weeks with his newly trained Tunnel Detection Dog. During the training deployment, the team located three illegal aliens attempting to use existing subterranean infrastructure near a shopping mall in Calexico, California to enter the country illegally. 

Currently, Noziska is in the process of developing a course of instruction to train additional Tunnel Detection Dogs.  The ability to use Noziska’s concept of clearing infrastructure and locating tunnels with his Tunnel Detection Dog will undoubtedly save countless man-hours in securing the borders of the United States. 

Noz lives in Iowa with his partner, Sarah Boese, and their five working dogs: Montana, Yak, Q, Rip and Ayla. RIP Cuba 8/24/24.