Utah DNR K-9 Rescues Woman in Mental Health Crisis

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A Utah Department of Natural Resources K-9 named Hawk was instrumental in rescuing a woman who wandered off during a mental health episode near Vernal, Utah last month. Hawk picked up the woman's scent from the family's car and led the search party over hills and through a ravine, where they found the woman lying on the ground in emotional distress but physically unharmed. The search team then escorted her to an ambulance for evaluation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the valuable role K-9 units can play in search and rescue operations, especially when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises who may wander off and become lost. The successful rescue also demonstrates the importance of having specialized resources available to respond to these types of sensitive situations.

The details

According to officials, the woman was with her family near Vernal when she walked away and out of sight. Officers from multiple agencies responded to search for the missing woman in the desert landscape. They then called in the DNR K-9 unit, and Hawk was able to pick up the woman's scent from the family's car. Hawk led his handler and the search party over hills, under fences, and down into a ravine, where they spotted a boot print. Hawk continued to follow the trail until he led the team directly to the missing woman, who was lying on the ground in emotional distress but physically unharmed.

• The incident occurred last month near Vernal, Utah.