Mississippi Wildlife K9 and Officer Awarded Medal of Valor for Rescuing Missing Children
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) K9 Charlie and Cpl. Bradley Starling (holding Charlie's leash) after receiving their Medal of Valor (MDWFP released photo).
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) recently honored two of its own with the prestigious Medal of Valor: Corporal Bradley Starling and his K9 partner, Charlie, a yellow Labrador retriever. This recognition was awarded for their heroic actions in quickly locating and rescuing three missing children in Monroe County, Mississippi.
The Medal of Valor is reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional courage in the face of danger, particularly in efforts to save or protect human life. On the afternoon of July 25, at 3:15 p.m., the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reached out to the MDWFP for urgent assistance after three children went missing from their home around 2:00 p.m. The situation was critical, with the children’s safety hanging in the balance.
Cpl. Starling and Charlie, members of the MDWFP’s specialized K9 unit, were immediately dispatched to the children’s last known location.
MDWFP K9 Charlie and Cpl. Starling on scene in Monroe County.
Arriving on the scene at approximately 4:15 p.m., Charlie was presented with an article of clothing belonging to one of the missing children. In a remarkable display of skill, the K9 quickly picked up the scent and, within just 15 minutes, tracked the children’s footprints through a nearby wooded area, ultimately leading to their safe recovery approximately 200 yards from their home.
MDWFP K9 Charlie tracking the three missing children.
Thanks to the swift actions of Cpl. Starling and Charlie, the children were safely reunited with their family that same evening.
MDWFP K9 Charlie and Cpl. Bradley Starling receiving the Medal of Valor during a ceremony.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that law enforcement officers and their K9 partners play in search and rescue operations.
Charlie is one of only four MDWFP K9s who cover the entire state of Mississippi, specializing in wildlife detection and search and rescue missions. These highly trained dogs are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the public and the state’s natural resources.
The bravery and quick thinking demonstrated by Cpl. Starling and Charlie are truly deserving of the Medal of Valor, a symbol of their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of others.