(August 20, 2013) – Yesterday, Red, the New Lenox Fire Protection District’s (NLFPD) search and rescue bloodhound was called out to assist in a finding a missing New Lenox girl.
Relatives of the 10-year-old autistic girl reported her missing from home around 11 a.m. and the search for her started soon after. Red was given an article with her scent to smell and he soon picked up her trail. He was able to locate her within five minutes, about two and a half blocks away from her home.
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According to Red’s handler, FF/PM Greg Gaj, Red picked up on the young girl’s trail and immediately headed in her direction. Once they got to the property line where she was located, he stopped and turned his head in her direction. That is when Gaj noticed a blanket and towel near a thick brushed area. The young girl was spotted in a tree and FF/PM Dan Reynolds went into the brush to get her down from the tree and out of the brush. She was found safe and healthy.
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“We are very proud of Red,” said NLFPD’s Chief Jon Mead. “He consistently does a wonderful job when he is asked to go out on search and rescue missions.”
The primary mission of the New Lenox Fire and Ambulance Protection District is to provide a range of programs designed to protect the lives and property within New Lenox Village and Township from the effects for fires and sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by man or nature with professional, compassionate, and quality service.
