
Protecting Our K9 Heroes
Our family will forever be connected with Oso, a K9 with the Hillsboro Police Department, and his partner Officer Mike Lee. This amazing team saved our son's life when Matthew became lost in the dark wilderness while on a family camping trip at Stub Stewart State Park.
Please help us to honor Oso and his K9 teammates with the purchase of four, custom-fit vests from K9 Storm . These vests are designed to allow these K9 heroes to come home safely after each and every shift.
Thursday, July 23rd was the scariest night of my life.
It was our second night camping at Stub Stewart State Park. The kids were in their PJs and almost ready to climb in their cots when everything changed. While I was using the restroom, a very tired Matthew and Emma had a skirmish over a blanket. Matthew was upset so he took off on his bike. We assumed he would just circle our camping loop and return when he cooled off.
After 5-10 minutes and no sign of Matthew, Mike and I began biking the loop. It was now 8:50 pm and darkness was approaching fast. When we couldn’t find him ourselves, we notified a park ranger who radioed for help. Other campers began noticing our genuine concern, and joined in the search. I called 9-1-1 myself as the situation had now become a true emergency. I texted our family and told them that Matthew was missing and to please come.
As I continued to walk the loop and trails, I called out “Matthew, Matthew, it’s ok, You’re not in trouble, buddy,” but there was no response. A police dispatcher called me back and asked me to report to our campsite so that I could be accessible. I could hear Mike shouting “Matthew, Matthew” from across the massive campground. Emma, Kodak, and I stayed put with Officer Hansen from Washington County. It was now dark and growing colder. Physically, it felt much like an out of body experience for me. I had to sit down because I felt like I might faint. I grew sick to my stomach as did Mike.
I sat at the edge of our campsite wrapped in a blanket and prayed for Matthew’s safe return. I recalled Matthew’s special Bible verse that had carried me through difficult times even before he was born: “With God, all things are possible.”
Early clues as to Matthew’s location came when the park manager located Matthew’s abandoned bicycle. Mike was driven out on a mule to help call for Matthew, but there was no response. At some point, one of Matthew’s shoes was located. Why would Matthew leave his bike and shoes? As my fears began to take hold, Officer Hansen provided reassurance with each update, telling me that these are good signs and that it means they were getting close. He let me know that although this is every parent’s worst fear, as an officer, he has seen these cases almost always resolve without incident. Emma asked if Matthew was going to be ok and when Matthew was going to be found. These were hard questions to answer, but I told her that we must let the officers follow their protocol, so that Matthew could be found quickly. I think I was trying to reassure myself too.
The K9 officer was en route as well as heat sensing drone technology. A well-organized command center had been established at the park welcome center and several family members were there to provide much needed emotional support.
As time passed, Matthew’s second shoe was found as well as some footprints. We received news that the K9 officer had arrived and started tracking Matthew.
When word came that Matthew was found, that was when the tears truly began to flow. The sense of relief and joy was overwhelming. Matthew had been gone for over two hours, but the police dog was able to track him in about ten minutes. Officer Hansen drove Emma and me down to the command center in the back of his police car-- I just couldn’t wait to get to Matthew.
At the welcome center, it became clear just how extensive the operation to find Matthew had been. The parking lot was filled with flashing lights and first responders from the sheriff’s office, state police, fire department, parks department, search and rescue as well as medical professionals. It was a huge, highly coordinated effort that allowed our story to have a happy ending.
Matthew rode into the lot with a Washington County Deputy. Only one family member was to approach him first and I cannot describe the relief I felt when I saw him in the police car. Matthew saw that I had been crying and we clung to each other, so happy to be reunited.
After a medical check in the ambulance, Matthew was cleared to reunite with the rest of the family. The medics opened the back doors so that Matthew could see his dad. They also gave Matthew a cute stuffed animal that he has already named “Moo Moo.” As Matthew left the back of the ambulance, he was delighted to see Emma, his Grandma Val, my sister’s family, and our dear friend, Judy. As my sister held Matthew and wrapped him in a blanket, Matthew told her how he prayed to God that he wouldn't die.
There was one more reunion to happen that night and it is one that I will never forget. We had the honor of meeting Officer Lee and Oso, the K9 that tracked Matthew. I loved hearing how Oso picked up on the scent from Matthew’s foot prints and directed Officer Lee to his location, 60 yards off the trail, in the brush-filled wilderness.
Today, I am the happiest mom on Earth. I am so very thankful that God was watching over Matthew and that he brought the perfect team of first responders to bring him home safely. Honestly, their response was simply incredible. They executed a well-organized plan and protocol all while showing great care and concern for Matthew and each member of our family. I am grateful too for all of the campers who did not hesitate to join in the search to find our son as well as the emergency dispatchers who asked all the right questions and provided guidance along the way.
It really is true, with God, all things are possible.