Bloodhound in Project Lifesaver Program Helps Find Missing Galloway Woman

A 61-year-old Galloway woman was found after going missing from her home Saturday night following the efforts of a K-9 officer and a bloodhound from the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman’s husband reported her missing to Galloway Township Police around 5 p.m. Saturday night. Police searched for the woman for an hour before requesting assistance from the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office.

K-9 Officer Joseph Kleinow and K-9 partner Luke responded to the scene as part of the Project Lifesaver Program. Luke was able to track the woman down within 15 minutes and within a mile of her home.

"Atlantic County is lucky to have an asset like Luke at its disposal", Sheriff Frank X Balles said in a prepared statement.  "I commend the officers of the Galloway Township Police Department for reaching out for the assistance of the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office so quickly, for the benefit of its residents.  This is a fine example of the shared service we are trying to provide to the residents of this county."

Luke is certified by the National Police Bloodhound Association in Salamanaca, New York. He specializes in missing persons, criminal apprehension, and scent discrimination.

The Project Lifesaver Program is a rapid response system that aids officers when tracking adults or children who stray from their homes due to Alzheimer's and Autism. Each client is outfitted with a bracelet that transmits an individualized tracking signal.

For information on the program, visit acsheriff.org or call 609-909-7214.