Smith County K-9, deputy help find injured elderly woman

SMITH COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A four-legged law enforcement officer helped track down an injured woman who disappeared in Smith County Thursday afternoon.

According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office , K-9 Deputy Brady Dodson and K-9 Braun were dispatched to a report of a missing elderly woman at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 27.

Officials said they determined the missing woman was at risk, so Braun tracked through the woods and thick vegetation until he eventually turned and headed down a steep incline in a creek bed.

“She was in a little bit of pain and was obviously very hot,” Dodson said. “We just tried to comfort her and give her peace of mind, letting her know that the ambulance was coming.”

The dog tracked to a tree line, where Dodson reportedly heard the woman moaning. Braun then went through the tree line into a tall grass field, where the pair found a woman who had several severe lacerations and was experiencing heat-related medical issues, authorities said.

“The ability to be able to look for people, like yesterday, deploy them on vehicles for narcotics — it makes a difference,” Dodson said.

“He gets told he’s a good boy a thousand times a day, but yesterday was special,” Dodson said. “He did wonderful and he got a lot of extra praise.”

Law enforcement said Smith County EMS transported the woman to the hospital, but there is no word on her current condition.

“This is but one of the many times our K-9’s are used to conduct searches for individuals for various situations,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “We are so thankful to have these amazing K-9s as part of our staff. Great Job K-9 Braun and K-9 Deputy Brady Dodson!!”

At last check, the woman is listed in fair condition.

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