King County Search Dogs

April and May 2002

April 28, 2002
02-0924
Tiger Mtn.
0330 callout for missing 54 yo female at Tradition Lake on Tiger Mountain. We responded with one trailing and four airscent teams. Subject had started a hike around 1430 hours the previous day. At 0130 hours, the daughter found the car and called for help. The subject was known to walk her dog in this area regularly. A trailing team started at the PLS (restroom) while airscent teams started working areas around Tradition Lake. The teams were completing the first areas when the subject walked into base. Apparantly, the subject went on a slightly different route than usual, did not retrace her steps well and got lost. After resting, she decided to follow her dog. Where before she was walking on trails and roads, now the dog took her off trail. She spent the night in an clearing in case somebody was looking for her. She eventually found her way to a road in the morning and was given a ride back to search base. She was cold, hungry, and ready to go home. (80.5 hrs)

May 21-22, 2002
02-1153
Federal Way
2300 callout for missing 54 yo female in Federal Way. We responded with two trailing and three airscent teams. The subject was last seen at her residence at 1500 hours; when she did not return by 1900 hours, Federal Way PD was called. The subject was a delusional schizophrenic who hears voices. She functions somewhat but needs guidance for typical tasks. The trailing teams established a direction of travel along her normal walking route to the west. Airscent teams worked the greenbelts around the house and along the trailing route. The subject was not located. Continued search on afternoon of 5/22 to check potential sightings with trailing dogs and likely area near these sightings with airscent teams. The search was suspended due to no clues located as well as the previous history of taking off and leaving the area. (108 hrs)

May 24, 2002
02-1168
Vashon Island
0300 callout for missing 14 yo female from residence on Vashon Island. We responded with one trailing and one airscent team. The subject last seen 1800 hrs leaving residence to "meditate". Subject had history of depression and was taking medications. Trailing team started from residence and worked generally to the north, with lots of interest at the adjacent, empty house. The airscent team worked around the residence and then areas to the north in a hasty pattern. After returning to base, Scott Weilbicki and Lambert were walking into the woods when Lambert found the subject, leaning against a tree and not doing well. Scott made a quick assessment and carried to her house (100 yds away). The subject was treated by Fire EMS and transported to Harborview for observation. Kudos to Scott for recognizing how Lambert was acting (strangely) and following up. It is important to watch your dog! (25 hrs)

Click to continue to June and July 2002 missions.