Great job to INBTI members Christy Sallada and Team 66 in their successful find.
Special Unit 66 Search & Rescue
Last evening our team deployed to Cumberland County for a missing hiker. The female subject went on a hike and on her return got mixed up in the trailhead leading her deeper into the woods with zero ambient lighting.
Our team arrived and set up a command post with accountability and started creating task assignments. Local fire departments were a fantastic resource and everyone worked well together. Their knowledge of the area are and our knowledge of search and rescue made the incident calm, progressive and positive.
K9 team Raven deployed immediately with handler Christy Sallada (Deputy Chief) who then was followed up by K9 team Alfie, handler Jackie Lebbon. The scent was gathered from the hikers vehicle utilizing gauze swabs from the steering wheel and gear shift lever.
After approximately a 2 1/2 hour track into the mountains K9 Raven tracked to the feet of the missing female who was found on a narrow, not well marked trail. She was cold but safe. Extrication occurred with the on scene resources including our new UTV designed for tight trails. K9 Neeka was getting ready to deploy to leapfrog right before she was found.
We applaud PSP and the Fire Departments for calling us in a reasonable time and not trying to be self heroes, in return dragging out a search incident longer then needed.
This incident resulted in a life saved and proves that multi agencies working together create team heroes.
Our team cleared around 3am with a ride back to the county with a positive vibe.
(The Cumberland County SAR chief was also on scene to assist)