Montgomery, NY — In a heartwarming display of dedication, skill, and teamwork, a young autistic boy who went missing early this morning in Montgomery, New York, was safely found—thanks to the exceptional efforts of Orange County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brian Burger and his K-9 partner, Jett.
This dramatic rescue underscores the essential role K-9 units play in modern law enforcement, particularly when every second counts.
An Urgent Call Before Sunrise
It all began just before 7:00 a.m., when the Village of Montgomery Police Department reached out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. An 11-year-old boy with autism had gone missing from his home around 5:40 a.m. and had not returned.
Given the child’s age and neurodivergence, the situation was critical. Time was of the essence.
That’s when Deputy Burger and K-9 Jett were dispatched to help in the search effort.
K-9 Jett Springs Into Action
Upon arriving at the child’s home, Deputy Burger and Jett immediately began tracking. The trained K-9 sniffed around the area where the child had last been seen and quickly picked up a scent.
Without hesitation, Jett led the team into the wooded area and down into a valley behind the family’s home.
Navigating thick brush and challenging terrain, Jett’s nose stayed locked on the trail until it brought them directly to the missing child—who was found deep inside a dense patch of undergrowth. It was Deputy Matt King who physically reached the boy and helped guide him back to safety, where he was reunited with his mother.
Praise From the Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Paul Arteta issued a public statement commending the team’s quick response and successful search:
“This case highlights the invaluable service our K-9 teams provide to the community,” Arteta said. “The partnership between handlers and their K-9 partners is a critical asset in search-and-rescue operations. We are relieved that the boy was found safe and quickly returned to his family.”
The Sheriff’s Office shared the story via their official Facebook page, celebrating the professionalism and compassion shown by all officers involved.
A Reminder of the Power of K-9 Teams
While this isn’t the first time a heroic dog has made headlines in the Hudson Valley—the region recently saw Buford the farm dog miraculously guide a missing toddler to safety—this story is another moving example of how canine companions continue to serve their communities in extraordinary ways.
Unlike Buford, who acted independently on a family farm, K-9 Jett is a highly trained police dog. He works alongside Deputy Burger as part of the Orange County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, a team that undergoes rigorous training to assist in everything from tracking missing persons to detecting narcotics.
In this case, their training paid off in the best way possible: saving a child’s life.
Community Impact and Gratitude
The Montgomery community and social media users across the region have flooded the Sheriff’s Office with messages of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the safe return of the young boy.
Parents of children with autism are particularly aware of the dangers of wandering. Many nonverbal or developmentally delayed children may not respond when called, making search efforts especially difficult. That’s why having trained K-9 teams like Jett and Burger on call is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
“This could’ve gone very differently,” one local parent wrote online. “Thank you to the officers and that amazing dog for bringing this boy back home.”
What to Know About K-9 Jett
Jett is one of the Orange County Sheriff’s most reliable K-9 officers. He’s trained in both tracking and apprehension, and his ability to navigate complicated environments under pressure makes him an invaluable part of the force.
The successful operation today highlights why continued funding, training, and community support for K-9 units remain so important.
A Story With a Happy Ending
Thankfully, this story ended with a joyful reunion between mother and son. As the boy was led out of the woods and back into his mother’s arms, those involved couldn’t help but feel a powerful sense of relief—and pride.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office proved once again why its K-9 teams are such an indispensable resource for the community.
To Jett, Deputy Burger, Deputy King, and everyone involved—thank you.
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