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Prison K-9 Team Rescues Lost Child
August 5, 2014
When a two-year old child went missing from her family’s home off Munson Highway in Santa Rosa County Saturday, the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution’s K-9 team jumped into action to quickly find the little girl and return her safely to her family.
The Santa Rosa Correctional Institution K-9 search team consisted of Sergeant Robert Lenzo, Officer Christopher Gilbert, Officer Joshua Chandler and K-9 Luke. Despite the young girl having been missing for two hours, temperatures in the high 90’s and the area crowded with friends, family and volunteers trying to locate her, the K-9 team established her track and found where she had left the residence. They followed the track through the woods and located her approximately one-half mile behind her home in a thick patch of thorns and vines. Sergeant Lenzo crawled into the thicket and freed her from the vines.
The child was quickly turned over to the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office deputies who reunited her with her parents.
“I am proud of the brave men and women of the Department of Corrections who serve their communities daily through their public service, including by committing acts of heroism and bravery such as this rescue,” said DOC Secretary Michael Crews. “Ensuring the safety of Florida families is a priority of the Department of Corrections, and the Santa Rosa C.I. K-9 team is a stellar example of that commitment.”
The little girl was playing in her family’s backyard and ran into the woods as her mom stepped inside briefly to get her water.
The Florida Department of Corrections has 38 K-9 programs statewide which are used to support other law enforcement agencies with felon apprehension, searching for missing persons and locating and providing aid to persons in distress. In addition to the team at Santa Rosa C.I., a K-9 team is also located at the Century Correctional Institution.
Pictured top: A little girl that went missing on Saturday meets K-9 Luke. Pictured inset: Ofc. Christopher Gilbert and Ofc. Joshua Chandler after Saturday’s rescue. Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
16 Responses to “Prison K-9 Team Rescues Lost Child”
Such a good story. Kids are quick and busy and have no fear.
We could stand good news like this more often!
Truly a blessing happened.
Well done!
Awesome, awesome. Thankful she was safe. A big appreciation to our officers. Those on two legs and four. Grateful for everyone who helped in the search.
Awesome job.
We are so proud of the dog team! Knowing that many of them are running drills voluntarily due to budget cutbacks, this story makes their effort and dedication even more meaningful and extraordinary. Thank you gentlemen! God bless Luke and his handlers!!!!
Super job officers.
Steaks for all are in order.
I hope they all got steaks for dinner. Dogs and men, that is.
It’s a Blessing having K-9 units in the C.I., thank the LORD that the child was found safe from harm. Thank you guys for being so earnest in your mission.
If I hide will they come find me? lol Glad it all worked out! Great job!
Thank you Guy’s, your Awesome, God Bless to everyone that searched for her.
Another shining example of why canines are known as “man’s best friends.” These officers are great, but the dogs do it just because that’s what they’re supposed to. They don’t give any thought to a pay check or a promotion. Not to take away from the officers because without them the canines wouldn’t know what to do, but I think Luke needs some special recognition.
Thank you, Sgt. Lenzo, Officer Gilbert, Officer Chandler and Luke. I despise the fact that my tax dollars are used for the welfare of people who aren’t fit to live (murderers, etc.), but for this, I would give my whole pay check!
I am so greatful for this K-9 Team. So glad the little girl was found safe
You guys are awesome.
Such a heart warming story and everything went well.
Thank God and the DOC