BLOODHOUND JOINS SHERIFF’S SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

East County News Service

August 10, 2023 (San Diego) -- The first bloodhound for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is now on duty. Albert joined the Sheriff's Department in January of 2022 as a 13-week-old puppy. After more than a year of training, he is now serving our communities as

part of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) K-9 Unit. His special mission is to help find missing and at-risk people.

Albert graduated from training at the end of March 2023 and received his badge from Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez. He was donated to the Sheriff's Department by the Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association (HDSA).

The bloodhound is named in memory of Sergeant Don Albert Parker. Parker was a 25-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department and served as unit leader of SAR for nine years. He led the search for many high-profile cases that generated national and international attention.

“We lost him to brain cancer in 2018, but he is always in our hearts. Albert is our way of honoring Don for his dedication and passion to Search and Rescue.” the Sheriff department states in a media release.

Albert and his handler, SAR K-9 Unit Leader Pam Medhurst, are members of the National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA). This group is comprised solely of sw

orn members of law enforcement. They made an exception for Medhurst because of her 24 years of volunteer service and expertise in Search and Rescue. 

This makes Medhurst and Albert the only citizen volunteer members in the NPBA. Pam and Albert completed their certification during training and testing in Los Angeles in February of this year.

Albert is one of 18 dogs in the unit. SAR K-9 Unit members all undergo a five-month academy. Their dogs meet or exceed California guideline

s for search and rescue dogs. Their handlers and K-9s recertify every two years.

The Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) is an all-volunteer unit. Together, they perform wilderness and urban rescues and search for missing people. Teams are available 24 hours per day to respond to local, state and federal agency requests. They also help the Sheriff's Department with evacuations during wildfires, flash flood and other natural disasters.

“We recognize and honor the selfless dedication of our 150 SAR Volunteers who make invaluable contributions to the Sheriff’s Department,” the department’s press release states.”These individuals donate their time, energy and skills in support of our mission to keep our communities safe. Their impact and generosity are truly invaluable.”

Volunteering with the Sheriff’s Department is a rewarding experience. The Sheriff’s Department offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit your interests and skills. 

There is always someone out there looking for a loved one. So far this year, the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter has responded to nearly 170 hiking rescues across the county. With our heatwave, constant training on various terrain and conditions is crucial to be ready for a search and rescue call.