King County Search Dogs

February 2004

February 1, 2004
04-0239
Kirkland
1530 callout for missing 78 yo male Alzheimer. We responded with 1 trailing and 2 airscent teams, 11 personnel total. The subject was last seen at 0830 hours on 2/1/04 at his residence. Due to suspected Alzheimer's and a heart condition, the teams focused on the immediate area and parks. The subject called home, asking for a ride, from a restaurant in Woodinville. (30.5 hrs)

February 13, 2004
04-0312
Auburn
1130 callout for water search along Green River for missing fisherman. We responded with 2 water search teams, three personnel total. The teams worked both sides of the river from a boat with no alerts noted from either dog. (14.5 hrs)

February 15, 2004
04-0337
Shoreline
2000 callout for missing 62 yo male. We responded with 2 trailing and 4 airscent teams, 10 personnel total. The subject was last seen at 1630 hours in common area of residence. The trailing teams worked from the residence on a trail to a nearby bus stop. The airscent teams were deployed on all sides of the residence for a distance of approximately 1/2 mile, working around businesses and residences. The search was suspended after these efforts proved futile. The subject was picked-up by Seattle PD the next day (location unknown). (56.5 hrs)

February 21, 2004
04-ES-002
Kent
0700 start for planned evidence search in Kent. We responded with 5 cadaver teams, 11 personnel total. A cranium had been located several weeks prior in a wooded area off Pac Hwy S. Our search areas included the immediate area of the cranium and various routes between where the subject's vehicle was located and the cranium. Sage had been tending towards an area and Samatha Dillhoff noted some out-of-place material to investigate. Sage got all excited and did her trained indicator on some of the bones. The ensuing detailed search located most of the bones in a 10-ft by 30-ft area, including the mandible ("You guys are sick!"). (82.5 hrs)

February 23, 2004
04-0384
Hwy 410
1100 start for search for missing male. We responded with 3 trailing and 4 airscent teams, 9 personnel total. The subject was last seen on 2/17 and was reported to have purchased a gun and intended to kill himself. The search started at the subject's car. While the trailing teams were working at a greater distance from the subject's vehicle, the airscent teams were working the immediate area near the vehicle. Joan Hitchner, with Piper, were coming down the road back to base when Piper went into the woods just off the road. While Piper did not do his trained indication, Joan, and her support Dan Roberson, had the presence of mind to note that Piper did something out of the ordinary and they went in to investigate. It turned out Piper had located the subject, deceased. (57 hrs)

Click to continue to March and April 2004 missions.