Our Rescue recently celebrated another milestone in the fight against child exploitation and human trafficking as nine new Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 teams graduated from the Jordan Detection K9 Program and joined law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada.
With this newest class, the number of ESD K9s deployed with support from Our Rescue has now surpassed 150 teams worldwide.
The graduation marked an especially strong class. All nine handler and K9 teams successfully completed the training course, demonstrating strong performance and readiness to assist with digital evidence searches during investigations.
ESD K9s are trained to locate electronic storage devices such as hidden phones, USB drives, tiny memory cards, and hard drives. These devices often contain critical digital evidence in cases involving child exploitation. Their ability to detect even extremely small storage devices can significantly reduce the time it takes investigators to locate evidence during search warrants.
Five of the teams in this graduating class were made possible entirely through direct donor-restricted contributions dedicated specifically to Our Rescue’s ESD K9 program.
The newest teams will serve agencies across multiple states and one Canadian province:
- Delaware County Criminal Investigations Division — Pennsylvania
K9 Gunner with handler Lisa DeMartini
- Indian River County Sheriff’s Office — Florida
K9 Jack with handler Michael J. Scott
- Miramar Police Department — Florida
K9 Delila with handler Melinda Rose Kimkowski
- Georgetown Police Department — Kentucky
K9 Flash with handler Blake Lizer
- Vigo County Sheriff’s Department — Indiana
K9 Paddy with handler Darrick C. Scott
- Huntsville Police Department — Alabama
K9 Goose with handler David Chad Schrader
- Will County Sheriff’s Office — Illinois
K9 Remi with handler Michael Paul Zupancic
- Halton Regional Police Service — Canada
K9 Rosie with handler Stephane Verreault
- Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3 Office — Texas
K9 Andy with handler Detective Brian Norton
This graduation also marked several regional milestones. Texas welcomed its 10th Our Rescue-sponsored ESD K9, while Florida added its 12th and 13th teams, making the two states the locations with the highest number of Our Rescue supported ESD K9 units. In Canada, the addition of K9 Rosie brings the total number of supported teams in the country to nine.
Each team completed an intensive training course that prepares handlers and their dogs to work together during investigations involving hidden electronic devices. Their training emphasized real-world search scenarios where digital evidence may be intentionally concealed.
In today’s world, child exploitation investigations involve digital components now more than ever, and ESD K9s continue to play an important role in helping law enforcement locate that key evidence more efficiently.
With this graduating class, the growing network of ESD K9 teams supported by Our Rescue continues to strengthen the ability of investigators to bring justice for survivors.
Donate today to help fund more incredible ESD K9s across the country and around the world.
