August 11, 2023 - San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that the first bloodhound for the 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).
SAR K-9 Albert Now on Duty - San Diego Sheriff's Department from San Diego County Sheriff on Vimeo.
The bloodhound is named in memory of Sergeant Don Albert Parker. Don 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.
Albert and his handler SAR K-9 Unit Leader Pam Medhurst (pictured above) are members of the National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA). This group is comprised solely of sworn members of law enforcement. They made an exception for Pam because of her 24 years of volunteer service and expertise in Search and Rescue. This makes Pam 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.
To watch a video of Albert as a puppy and his first training in Valley Center, click on the photo below.
Albert's Training Day - San Diego County Sheriff's Department from San Diego County Sheriff on Vimeo.
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 guidelines for search and rescue dogs. Their handlers and K-9s recertify every two years.
Sergeant Don Albert Parker (pictured above)
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, flashflood, 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. 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.
SAR K-9 Unit Training - San Diego Sheriff's Department from San Diego County Sheriff on Vimeo.
Volunteering with the Sheriff’s Department is a rewarding and enriching experience. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit your interests and skills. Make a positive impact in our communities. Apply now at sdsheriff.gov/volunteer.
There is always someone out there looking for a loved one. So far this year, our ASTREA helicopter has responded to nearly 170 hiking rescues across the county. With our heatwave, constant training on various terrain and condition is so crucial to be ready for a search and rescue call.
Saturday's rope exercise is all about safety, proper training, and equipment. K-9s will learn to familiarize themselves with a harness and being suspended. The handler must learn to assess the dog's comfort level while navigating ledges and access points on the way down a canyon to simulate challenging terrain.
View videos:
Video 1, video 2, video 3.
Source & photos: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
