2023 WCSO Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 19
K9 GRIFF
HELPS LOCATE
MISSING 5-YEAR-OLD
The role of K9 teams in law enforcement is critical when it comes to
supporting police work. During the summer of 2023, K9 Griff, his partner
Deputy Sam Terry, and Corporal Micah Akin demonstrated the K9 units’
indispensable role in navigating challenging calls safely.
On June 27, 2023, a family member contacted 9-1-1, reporting Salix, a
5-year-old child, and their family dog had gone missing while playing in
a wooded area. Salix, who suffered from asthma, had been missing for
approximately 45 minutes despite a thorough search of the surrounding
buildings and homes. The terrain in the area was challenging, with steep
inclines, water bodies, and thick vegetation.
Corporal Akin and Deputy Terry relied on the exceptional skills of K9
Griff to follow the child’s scent through the dense undergrowth, trees,
and rugged terrain. After hours of searching, a faint cry for help led them
to Salix, calling for assistance. Corporal Akin and Deputy Terry safely
returned Salix to his family.
The successful search and rescue mission exemplified the critical role
that K9 units play in law enforcement operations and the unwavering
commitment of Corporal Akin and Deputy Terry to protect and serve their
community. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office applauds their heroic
efforts and their life-saving impact on this child and their family.
2023 WCSO Annual Report | 17
