Missing sheriff’s K9 found safe after 24-hour search in Michigan forest

After a 24-hour search through the dense woods of the Manistee National Forest, K9 Soka, a narcotics detection dog with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, has been found safe.

Soka vanished during an off-duty trip with his handler, prompting a multi-agency search effort that spanned several counties.

The search involved more than two dozen officers, drones, ATVs, and mounted units.

Bryan Muir, undersheriff of Kent County, explained the search strategy: “We use some tracking software at the Sheriff’s Office, and we’ve gridded off the canvas area, and then we’re assigning personnel to those canvas areas until they’re exhausted and moving from one zone to another. Starting where we believe he was last sighted, and then where the tracks are located.”

The breakthrough came when a citizen reported spotting a dog resembling Soka.

Capt. Ben Cammenga of the Kent County Sheriff’s Office confirmed, “We had a citizen call in that they saw a dog which might be Soka, and we went over there—sure enough, it was Soka. We’re so thankful that somebody called in and that Soka was found. His condition is good. He got himself into a porcupine, it looks like. I’m going to have him checked out by a vet, however, overall his condition appears to be good.”

Deputies say Soka will recover back home with his handler after more than 24 hours on his own.

They credit the community and social media for helping bring him back safely.

The sheriff’s office credited the community and social media for their roles in Soka’s safe return. “We had a lot of resources out here. We had drone teams. We had our mounted unit out here. MSP assisted with a helicopter out here, but in the end, it was the community, a citizen, that called in and located the dog. So without this word, the community could have been out here hours longer, days longer, but the community is extremely supportive and was with their assistance that the canine was located,” Cammenga said.

Soka is now back home with his handler and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office praised the collaborative effort, emphasizing the crucial role of community support in the successful search.

READ MORE: https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/missing-k-9-soka-found-safe-after-24-hour-search-in-michigan-forest

——————————–
For all of your news, weather and sports needs: http://www.upnorthlive.com
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UpNorthLive
Follow us on twitter: @upnorthlive.com
Download our app, available for iPhone and Android!

#traversecity #localnews #news #video #upnorthlive #michigan

Written by UpNorthLive