K9 Spotlight: Jensen Huffman & K9 Tulip

Jensen Huffman & K9 Tulip
Owner/Trainer (Huffman K9), Owner / handler (Charon K9), Board President / Handler (CHAIS)

Instagram: @_c.h.a.i.s_

K9 Tulip is a certified Human Remains Detection (HRD) K9, trained and handled by Jensen Huffman, Board President of Charon Human Advocacy Intervention Services (C.H.A.I.S.). Tulip operates as a dual-role asset, serving in both disaster recovery operations and victim support functions.

Operational Deployments:
Tulip has successfully deployed in multiple large-scale incidents, including:

• Hurricane Helene – Conducted HRD operations in post-hurricane environments with complex scent challenges.
• Kerrville / Guadalupe River Flood Disaster (July 4th) – Assisted in victim recovery operations in hazardous flood debris fields.
• Oregon City, Oregon - Type 1 - heavy structure colapse post abandoned building fire.
• Multiple Land HRD Missions for both active SAR mission and cold case evidence recovery.

During these missions, Tulip’s drive, accuracy, and adaptability have made her an asset to incident command and multi-agency search teams. Her go-to deployment harness is the Ray Allen Nomad, selected for its clean design, reliable performance, and functionality in austere conditions.

Victim Support Role:
Beyond field operations, Tulip serves as one of C.H.A.I.S.’s certified therapy and support K9s for survivors of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. She provides in-court support to victims during testimony, offering a stabilizing presence in a highly stressful environment. This work directly aligns with trauma-informed approaches in victim advocacy, bridging the gap between law enforcement objectives and survivor well-being.

C.H.A.I.S. Mission: C.H.A.I.S. operates under two primary mandates:
Search & Rescue / Search & Recovery: Deploying certified K9 teams nationally and internationally in support of disaster operations and law enforcement search missions.
Therapy, Support & Security K9s: Assisting survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking throughout legal proceedings, ensuring both emotional stability and a secure presence.
K9 Tulip represents the integration of operational effectiveness with victim-centered support. Whether deployed to a disaster site or stationed in a courtroom, her role strengthens mission outcomes while supporting the broader goals of public safety, recovery, and justice.

Their Gear: Nomad Harness (we desperately need the Swiss Seat modification for effective lift capabilities.). This is the cleanest - lightest and strongest (no frills) harness for effective deployment needs. She works in disaster areas "naked" without any gear to eliminate entanglement hazards - but the Nomad gets us where we need to go - providing reliable functionality on helicopters, side-by-sides, swift water rescue boats or any other travel options (yes we have been on horseback).

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