On a cool March afternoon, our dedicated Search and Rescue volunteers sprang into action to search for an elderly man with dementia who had gone missing during a walk. Living with family, he had stepped out but did not return, raising immediate concerns due to his cognitive impairment and age. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the family called 911 and we mobilized our volunteers to begin the search.

The search effort was comprehensive and multifaceted. K9 teams, drones, and ground searchers were deployed, along with volunteers scouring the area in vehicles. Teams went door to door, checking with neighbors about whether they had seen the man, while flyers were posted online to broaden our reach. A drone was sent up to survey the landscape from above, and K9 units began searching outward from his last known location.

As the search progressed, a keen-eyed K9 handler noticed a subtle change in the dog’s behavior near the edge of a steep, wooded slope. This observation prompted the team to investigate further, leading them down the slope where, nestled in the bushes, they discovered the missing man. His condition could have been dire had it not been for the handler’s astute awareness and the team’s determination to search thoroughly. Once located, our volunteers assessed the man’s condition and provided immediate care. Due to the challenging terrain, a rigging team was summoned to ensure a safe extraction. With the support of North County Fire, we successfully retrieved the man and reunited him with his relieved family.

This mission is one of many this past year in which our personnel have located individuals in difficult-to-access areas. While our dedicated members continue to respond to wilderness search, rescue, and recovery missions throughout Snohomish County, the growing number of missions for those with cognitive impairment, such as dementia or autism, underscores the need for enhanced urban search and rescue training for our volunteers. As we continue to prepare for future challenges, we remain committed to equipping our teams with the skills necessary to navigate these increasingly common situations.

Community involvement and training are vital as we strive to keep our neighbors safe.

We are grateful to our volunteers, first responders, and the community for their unwavering support during such critical missions. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the safety of those in need.

In Case of Emergency

If someone goes missing, quick action is critical. Here is what you can do to aid in the emergency response:

A Collaborative Effort

As Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue adapts to these challenges, we are committed to fostering a collaborative relationship with families in our community. We believe that by empowering caregivers with knowledge and resources, we can enhance our response

capabilities and ensure the safety of those we serve. These services are free to the public. Please don’t wait to call.

If you have questions or would like more information on how to best prepare for the unexpected, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards a safer community for everyone. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to keeping our neighbors safe.