Press releases may contain information regarding programs, policies, regulation, rules, or fees of DWR and are current at the date of release. Information beyond that date is subject to change. Please contact DWR for further inquiries.
DWR Tracking Team Leads Successful Rescue in Smyth County
Richmond, VA — Conservation Police Officers with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), along with the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Black Diamond Rescue, and volunteers, were called to Smyth County for a missing person on August 18. An elderly gentleman had been missing since the previous night and all attempts to find him had been unsuccessful. The DWR Region 3 Tracking Team, which consisted of five Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) and two K9 Officers were asked to respond.
After receiving information on the search area, the DWR Tracking Team hiked into the mountainous terrain to begin the search. As the officers searched their assigned area, they consistently called out verbally hoping to receive a call back from the victim. Fortunately, this tactic was successful and the team did hear a man yelling for help. The sounds were coming from a drainage ditch at the bottom of a hill, not far from the team.
The Tracking Team was able to scale to the bottom of the hill to successfully locate the victim who was lying in a creek bed, covered in debris, and was severely dehydrated. In addition to providing first aid, the team members also guided the local rescue squad members to their location to help safely get the man back to safety and receive the required medical treatment.
This was a great example of public safety partners working together to provide much needed aid to a citizen in need.
To learn more about DWR law enforcement, please visit: dwr.virginia.gov/conservation-police/
Pictures available upon request.