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How a Florida K-9 helped in locating a 11-year-old missing girl; WATCH
On Friday, January 26, a video shows a Florida K-9 named Mary Lu finding an 11-year-old child who went missing and was in danger.
Law enforcement officials reported that on Friday, a Florida K-9 assisted in the recovery of an 11-year-old girl who was reported missing and in danger of harm after finding her in a park bathroom.
Sarah Ernstes, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's officer, and K-9 Mary Lu arrived at the 16000 block of Carlton Lake Drive at approximately 8 p.m. to begin looking for the missing girl.
How the K-9 found the missing girl
The two proceeded to find the girl in a neighbor's home, where they learned that locals had provided the youngster with a ride to a nearby Wimauma apartment complex. According to the sheriff's office, units moved to that location and K-9 Mary Lu alerted deputies about a locked restroom door at a nearby park.
The missing girl was found inside the closed restroom, and the sheriff's office reported that deputies were able to convince her to open the door. Sheriff Chad Chronister in a news release, "Our team HCSO K9 Unit has once again proven its invaluable role in our community. With their exceptional skills, they successfully located and brought home a missing 11-year-old girl, reuniting her safely with her family. I couldn't be prouder of our team's commitment to service and determination to protect and serve."
About K-9 Unit
K-9 handlers who meet the standards to become a street team are selected from the Patrol Division and trained for 14 weeks with their new partner. The Pensacola Police Department usually imports dogs from Europe that are already trained in obedience. To receive certification from the U.S. Police K-9 Association (USPCA) and Florida requirements, the canines must demonstrate their ability in all areas, including understanding German orders.
Currently, nine K-9 teams are in service by the Pensacola Police K-9 Unit. Only one team holds a certification in drug detection, but seven teams have dual certifications in bomb/explosives detection and patrol work (tracking and apprehending).
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