Colorado children found safe after K-9 Archie tracks scent
A two-year-old Labrador named Archie led rescuers to three missing children who had wandered 1.5 miles from their family's campsite near Buena Vista
Three children were found safe on September 26 after a canine deputy tracked their scent from a Colorado campsite. A two-year-old yellow Labrador named Archie located the missing nine-year-old and two six-year-olds approximately 1.5 miles from their family's camp east of Buena Vista.
Family members noticed the children had wandered away around 9 a.m. And searched for about two hours before contacting law enforcement. The large family group from the Denver area was camping near the Midland Bike Trail. The children were reported missing around 11 a.m., triggering a multi-agency response coordinated by Deputy Kendra Hoffman of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Archie’s deployment and scent-tracking success
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office deployed its canine deputy, Archie, almost immediately after the call. The specially trained Labrador was given a stuffed animal belonging to one of the children to pick up their scent. Archie caught the scent at the campground and led his handler and two deputies downhill into the wilderness. The dog guided searchers to a sandy wash, indicating the direction the children had traveled.
The rescue and coordination of efforts
While following Archie’s lead, rescuers deployed multiple drones, several foot patrol teams, and a helicopter. Search and rescue teams followed the same direction and eventually spotted the children from higher ground. The children were found around 2 p.m., five hours after they went missing, and were returned to their family uninjured.
Deputy Hoffman stated that drones and helicopters cannot see children hiding under rocks or trees. She wanted to personally see how Archie could work and believes this may have been the dog’s first on-duty search. Hoffman said Archie’s quick work saved the three children and that she plans to refer calls to the canine team whenever possible.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich credited the county’s search and rescue volunteers and K-9 Arch for the successful outcome. He stated the teams worked quickly and effectively to bring the kids back to their worried families. Rohrich added that the county is fortunate to have such a highly trained and dedicated search and rescue team of volunteers. Now adding Archie as a tool, he would match this team against any other in the state.
Sheriff Andy Rohrich stated he plans to refer more calls to the canine team whenever possible and sees using Archie a lot more now.
