A dementia patient wanders from home. The family calls 911. A search is initiated. The 

government agency in charge of the search decides that a search canine team would be helpful. 

Through Armstrong County 911 Lower Kiski Search and Rescue is dispatched. All available members respond to the scene and work to help find the lost loved one.

Lower Kiski Search and Rescue is a non-profit volunteer entity that provides support for missing person incidents, including certified ground personnel and search canine resources.

The team also provides education including presentations and demonstrations.

Lower Kiski Search and Rescue is one of several volunteer search and rescue K-9 teams in southwestern Pennsylvania. In 2007 the team emerged as a component of Lower Kiski Rescue Division. 

Although Lower Kiski base is in Leechburg, which is in Armstrong County, members 

reside throughout Southwestern PA, and respond from home. In 2008 the team became a recognized deployable resource for the Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Council (PSARC).

Today the team is composed of 14 two-legged members and 12 canines. All are at various stages of training from beginning search and rescue to state and national certifications. 

If you would like to learn more about this team, or if you would like a presentation or demonstration for your group, please contact Kathy Otruba at kotruba@lowerkiskiems.org.