• Cindy Fuller

Salvation Army Assists in Search and Rescue in Sebastian County, Arkansas

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 12, 2016) – The Salvation Army of Fort Smith, Arkansas responded quickly on Wednesday to an urgent plea for help from Emergency Management with a Search and Rescue operation in Sebastian County, Arkansas.   During a standoff early Wednesday morning, an Arkansas Sheriff’s deputy was shot and another deputy killed by a gunman after a long standoff.  Police K-9, Kina, a member of the Greenwood Police Department was shot and ran off.   A search and rescue mission was then underway for the K-9, Kina.

The Salvation Army was asked to provide meals and hydration for law enforcement and volunteers involved in the search for Kina.  A canteen (mobile feeding unit) from Fort Smith, Arkansas was dispatched Wednesday afternoon to the Command Center and remained on site until well after sunset when the search was temporarily suspended.  The Emergency Disaster Services team arrived again on Thursday morning and remained until the late evening when the search was once again suspended.  The team arrived again on Friday morning and remained until Kina was found.

Major Johnny Poff, Corps Officer of the Fort Smith Salvation Army stated “The Salvation Army is honored to support the men and women of our law enforcement community during their time of sorrow and need.    We will provide meals, snacks, drinks and emotional and spiritual care as long as the need continues.  Over 300 meals, drinks and snacks have been served since the initial deployment of the canteen.”  

Hundreds of community rescue workers and responders joined in the effort to find and save the K-9, Kina.  After almost 48 hours being missing, wounded and in extreme heat, the search ended when Kina was found approximately one mile from the initial incident.  Kina was immediately taken to a veterinarian and treated for two gunshot wounds and dehydration.  Kina is expected to make a full recovery.