Even with a handful of treats, a belly rub, and a “good girl,” you may still struggle to find enough ways to thank a four-legged member of the Door County CERT K-9 Team for her efforts over the weekend. On Saturday night, the Door County Sheriff’s Department and the Door County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) collaborated to help find a missing woman dealing with Alzheimer’s. CERT K-9 Hanna and her handler, Rob, were able to track her down, marking their first successful rescue as a member of the organization. Door County Emergency Management Director Jeb Saelens reiterated that these all-volunteer crews do not replace the K-9 units used with the Door County Sheriff’s Department or other law enforcement agencies. He does note the importance of having a local duo be able to be quickly on duty.

Saelens also thanked the fire departments of Egg Harbor, Baileys Harbor, Jacksonport, Gibraltar, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Ephraim, and Sturgeon Bay for their assistance. Last month, the Door County Emergency Management Department celebrated the certification of three other K-9 units for search and rescue missions to join Hanna and another dog named Toby. The Door County CERT just started a new class this month that takes place at the Gibraltar Fire Station at 5:30 p.m.