Special Unit 66 Search & Rescue

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Annville, PA
Special Unit 66 Search & Rescue

Lebanon County based K9 Search Team #66. We are available 24/7 365 for missing people. Mark Sallada is founder of Sallada Search & Rescue in 2012.

In July 2011 Mark purchased a German Shepherd from a K-9 police family in PA. The K-9 was named "Krypto" and is the founding K9 member of what is now known as Special Unit 66 Search and Rescue. The team has grown from Mark, Krypto and a few friends willing to “hike in the woods” to now include over 40 members of specially trained search responders that operate a fully equipped command trailer, 3 w

orking K9’s and multiple others in varying stages of training. We are available for call outs, joint training events with fire departments and emergency services, and public relations events including school educational visits.

05/31/2026

K9 Kratos working on human remains detection.

Did you know if you’re an organ donor you may help a team like ours with training.

04/14/2026

📡 Communication can always be challenging out in the field. We recently added new radios to our team, allowing us to communicate better during a call and training.

The new radios use all cell towers and need very little reception to work, unlike a cell phone. In the event there is zero service they have direct radio to radio capabilities which are compatible with our current system. The radios also have built in GPS to live track our crew.

Yearly donors can be thanked for giving us the ability to purchase them along with the 3 years of service.

Not sure where to donate to this year? We are a 501c3 organization primarily ran off of donations because PA doesn’t allow us to submit for federal or state grants. 😢

04/05/2026

🐰🌸 Happy Easter from our bunny-eared duo! 🌸🐰

K9’s Raven and Kratos are hopping into spring with their favorite toy and lots of love 💛🐾

Wishing everyone a day full of sunshine, smiles, and sweet treats! 🐣🥚🌷

03/05/2026

We spent this morning helping kick off Northern Lebanon Elementary School’s Read-A-Thon with the 4th through 6th grades. They’re currently reading “Rescue Dog: Ember”.

Dept Chief Mark Sallada spoke to the classes about search and rescue and they got to meet Retired K9 Raven and K9IT Kratos.

02/12/2026

Last evening team members braved the cold for a training hike. Cold weather can present serious challenges for search teams. The hike was a great opportunity to practice vital skills and test cold weather gear.

01/26/2026

Searches occur in all types of weather.

Kratos, HRD K9IT had some snow day training today. Source was placed Saturday prior to the snowstorm.

01/07/2026

Retirement Announcement:

After much thought and consultation with our veterinary team, I am announcing the retirement of K9 Raven, my HRD K9 partner, due to medical issues that prevent her from continuing operational duties safely.

Raven has been an exceptional partner and a dedicated member of our Search and Rescue team since 2017. As a Human Remains Detection and Trailing K9 certified through the American Working Dog Association, Raven performed a demanding role. Raven’s work contributed to complex searches and provided answers and closure during difficult and emotionally challenging missions. Raven consistently demonstrated focus, reliability, and professionalism in every deployment.

In addition to operational work, Raven is also a certified Therapy K9, extending service beyond the field by providing comfort and support to others. Raven further earned multiple American Kennel Club certifications, including AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA), Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU), and Trick Dog Novice (TKN), reflecting exceptional training, temperament, and versatility.

This decision was not made lightly. Raven’s health and long-term well-being must come first, and continued deployment would place unnecessary strain and risk on a partner who has already given so much.

Raven will now begin a well-earned retirement and will remain with Mark and I, transitioning into a life focused on comfort, care, and rest. While Raven may no longer be operational, Raven will always be my partner and a valued member of the team.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside Raven and appreciate the support of the team and community throughout Raven’s career. Raven’s contributions will have a lasting impact and will not be forgotten.

Please join me in wishing K9 Raven a healthy, peaceful, and well-deserved retirement.

Thank You
Christy Sallada, Chief

01/02/2026

Happy New Year! Announcing the Officer line up for 2026. We thank you for your support throughout the past year. Here’s to a new year full of teamwork, good times, and getting things done.

Chief: Christy Sallada
Deputy Chief: Mark Sallada
Asst Chief: Rich Schoellhammer.

12/25/2025

K9 Kratos wishes you a Merry Christmas. Perhaps he will make good choices so Santa comes visit this evening. 🎄🎅

11/20/2025

K9 Neeka

With much regret I inform you of the passing of my hero, K9 Neeka. She passed away peacefully last evening in our arms, Mark and Christy Sallada.

Neeka was a pure bred German Shepherd who was rescued at 4 months old from Char Wills German Shepherd rescue. Neeka began search and rescue training immediately and was certified at 2 years old with the American Working Dog Association for scent specific tracking.

Neeka absolutely loved kids, her family, her current sister, Raven, current brother, Kratos, and her past brother, Krypto. More importantly she gave back to the community without any question.

Her and I had over 12 successful search incidents with 8 of those saving lives of children, mainly autistic, and adults who suffered from dementia. Her longest successful track was almost 6 miles. It takes extreme drive for a K9 not to give up, Neeka never gave up.

She passed away from progressive terminal bone cancer. Losing a partner is painful, it tears the soul right out of you.

We love you Neeka,
Mark Sallada
Christy Sallada

Wanting to help our K9’s, like Neeka. You can donate here. We run only on donation’s.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=73FU9G8YWHQG6&source=qr

Address

700 W. Main Street
Annville, PA
17003

Telephone

+17178210366

Website

https://www.searchteam66.org/

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