SBI, Center for Safer Schools add 2 new K9s to search and rescue force
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), in partnership with the North Carolina Center for Safer Schools (CFSS), announced the addition of two highly trained live-find K9s to its K9 unit, enhancing the state’s ability to locate missing and endangered individuals.
Tuesday, SBI Director Chip Hawley and CFSS Director Karen Fairley formally welcomed the newest members of the unit, Ella and Bliksem. Both dogs, approximately 18 months old, are specially trained to locate living individuals who may be missing or in danger. In addition to their live-find capabilities, the dogs have undergone specialized training to operate in disaster environments, including searches in collapsed structures.
“We are excited to add these highly skilled K9s to our team,” said Director Hawley. “Their capabilities will significantly enhance our ability to respond to critical incidents and help bring missing individuals home safely.”
This partnership with the Center for Safer Schools will directly support growing needs within North Carolina’s school system. The dogs will be strategically positioned east and west of the Triangle region to ensure rapid response across the state when critical incidents occur.
“These resources represent a meaningful investment in safety for our schools and communities,” added Center for Safer Schools Director Fairley. “Their presence will help ensure faster, more effective responses when every minute matters.”
Over the past 18 months, the SBI has received an increasing number of requests from local law enforcement agencies, including sheriffs and police departments, to assist in cases involving missing children, elderly individuals, and other vulnerable populations. The addition of Ella and Bliksem strengthens the SBI K9 unit’s capacity to respond effectively to these urgent situations. These dogs will also be particularly helpful during natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes like Helene that devastated western North Carolina.
Both dogs were trained by K2 K9 Solutions in Moore County and are currently completing final preparations with the SBI K9 unit. They are expected to be fully operational and available for deployment by mid-July.