This week, an Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Ranger received some recognition after authorities reported that he assisted in locating a dementia patient who had strayed more than two miles from a care facility.
District Judge Matt Rudzki of Sharpsburg gave Ranger and his handler Deputy Jeff Belback a certificate of honor for their “outstanding work” in October.
According to the sheriff’s office, on October 9, O’Hara Township police requested assistance from Belback and K-9 Ranger in order to locate a 65-year-old person suffering from dementia who had strayed from a care home located on Harts Run Road.
Ranger was able to pick up the scent after Belback utilized a blanket from the care facility once they arrived on the site.
The missing patient was located approximately 2.4 miles from the care facility, on Harts Run Road, Dorseyville Road, and finally Glen David Drive, according to the sheriff’s office.
The patient was taken back to the care facility after being discovered unharmed.
“Just another example of why K9 Ranger is the best Bloodhound in the Commonwealth,” the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office stated on Facebook.
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K-9 After undergoing treatment for oral melanoma, Ranger resumed his job in August. For several months, Ranger received specialized care in Virginia, which included electrochemotherapy and surgery.
Less than two weeks after returning to work, he assisted in the capture of a man who was suspected of holding up a bank. He hasn’t missed a beat since then.
