09/10/2026
**SUCCESSFUL CASE***
INBTI Vice President and Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office K9 Handler Sgt. Michael Szelc with K9 Kane
On September 4, 2026, an adjoining county called for K9 assistance on a missing 82 year old man with severe dementia. Upon arriving we obtained a scent article and learned that the man was last seen 4 hours prior on his side porch, that he frequently walks around the perimeter of the yard and has wondered off many times. It was 92’, humid, and very dry. The man had a cell phone and they were able to make contact with him. He informed them he was lost and is standing near water and sees several boats, which sent resources to a nearby large lake. The cell phone was pinged and gave a radius of 3 miles. I made a bigger cast than usual due to the circumstances and presented the scent article in area last seen. Kane advanced a trail leading out of the yard and onto a well-traveled road. Going in the opposite direction of where the resources were searching plays a mental game while trailing. Kane continued, steady consistent pull. Working through intersections, all the negatives were displayed just as we train to get to the direction needed. We trailed over 2 miles when additional resources were then being sent to us. They were able to keep in contact with the man. While trailing an officer would be directed every so often to hit the siren to see if it could be heard while talking to him on the phone. Kane indicated interest in a wooded area, the siren was sounded and heard on the phone. The man was located in that wooded area, he was lost and confused. He received medical attention and was safely returned home with safety plans set for the future.
It’s all about the training, what we put into it and what we learn. TKM has taught us to read the signs and to communicate with the dog. To the instructors that teach it, and to the handlers that want to learn it, thank you for all you do to keep Kevin’s vision alive and well.
