11/11/2025
🐾 CCSO Search & Rescue K9 Teams Train on Land and Water in Cougar, WA
On October 11th, Search and Rescue K9 teams and their handlers from across the U.S. and Canada descended upon the small community of Cougar, Washington, nestled in the foothills of Mt. St. Helens. For three days, 23 dedicated K9s trained in Land and Water Human Remains Detection, a specialized skill that helps bring closure to families of the missing.
Under the expert guidance of Dr. Ben Alexander, Tiffanie Turner, and Piper Scholfield, along with assistant Amanda O’Malley, teams worked tirelessly through Pacific Northwest rain to sharpen their shoreline and open-water search skills. Training included both water recovery simulations and land-based exercises with full cadaver exposure in a setting that honored and respected the donor - an essential part of preparing these teams for real-world missions.
Behind the scenes, CCSO SAR volunteers made it all possible, from towing the command trailer, setting up canopies, assisting instructors, ensuring safety, and keeping operations running smoothly. Their professionalism and teamwork earned praise from every attendee.
A special thank-you to our supporters:
* PacifiCorp for permitting training at Yale Lake
* Pacific Northwest Forensic K9 Search & Recovery for invaluable training aids
* Refuge Point for keeping everyone warm and fed with hot soup and sandwiches
* CRESA for essential behind-the-scenes support
* And to every K9 handler from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Alberta, and British Columbia. Your relentless dedication inspires us all.
Through teamwork, compassion, and skill, these Search and Rescue professionals and their incredible dogs stand ready to answer the call 24/7 — wherever they’re needed most.
📸 Photo Credit: Jacob Greenslade Photography, Wild Eyes Photography, Firelight Photography (Kasandra), and Cody Anderson
