FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Campbell County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team Credited with Life-Saving Recovery

RUSTBURG, VA —  The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is commending Lieutenant Byrd and K9 T-Bone for their exceptional work that led to the life-saving recovery of a missing 26-year-old female during a multi-jurisdictional search effort.

On January 18, 2026, Lt. Byrd and K9 T-Bone responded to assist a neighboring jurisdiction with a report of a missing woman who had been unaccounted for several hours in freezing temperatures. Upon arrival, Lt. Byrd obtained a scent article from the driver’s seat of the missing individual’s vehicle, which was located near a public park with heavy foot traffic and multiple dogs in the area.

Despite the challenging conditions, K9 T-Bone immediately established a track from the vehicle, leading into the park before making a sharp turn into a wooded area. The trail continued back onto another path and eventually led to nearby railroad tracks. K9 T-Bone followed the track along the center of the tracks for approximately a quarter mile.

While trailing, Lt. Byrd observed a female matching the missing person’s description approximately 100 yards ahead. K9 T-Bone alerted and made contact with the individual, who was found suffering from hypothermia after having jumped into a river. At the time of the recovery, temperatures were approximately 30 degrees, and the woman had been exposed to the elements for several hours. The total trail length was approximately 0.98 miles.

The quick actions and precision of Lt. Byrd and K9 T-Bone directly contributed to the successful recovery and timely medical attention of the missing individual.

“Lieutenant Byrd and K9 T-Bone exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, training, and dedication to public safety,” said Sheriff Clark. “Their skill and determination in extremely difficult conditions saved a life, and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly proud of their outstanding work.”

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all agencies involved in the search effort and remains committed to protecting and serving the citizens of Campbell County and our surrounding communities.

Media Inquiries, please contact Captain Brian J. Murray;

(434) 332-9580; BJMurray@CampbellCountyVA.Gov.