Deschutes, Crook Co. K-9s to aid Wash. slide search

The Deschutes and Crook counties’ sheriff’s offices sent three K-9 search teams Friday to the hard-hit community of Oso, Wash., to assist in the recovery efforts from the recent deadly landslide that thundered down in the foothills of the Cascades northeast of Seattle.

Deschutes County Sheriff Larry Blanton said he has been in contact with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and has offered the assistance of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team and staff.

In support of the ongoing search efforts in the devastated community, SAR K-9 “Meg,” her handler and a flanker left early Friday morning to be deployed to the area, staying for about five days, said Lt. Scott Shelton, search and rescue coordinator..

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will continue to offer assistance to our neighbors in Washington as long as the search continues,” Shelton said in an announcement.

Two Crook County SAR cadaver dog teams also left Prineville for Washington to assist in the slide zone, where conditions are harsh and teams are working four-hour shifts before needing a break, said Crook County Emergency Manager Michael Ryan.

They were identified as K-9 Kivu and handler Jillian McIntosh, and K-9 Annie and handler Lori Blackburn.