Search and Rescue Dog Missing in Bowie

A Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue dog is the subject of a search that has been ongoing since Thursday, when he disappeared during a training exercise in Bowie, Prince George's County.

Vito, a three-year-old German Shepherd, was being trained to replace his father, Czaro, who had been deployed all over the world as part of Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue team. According to Sonja Heritage, Vito's FEMA trainer, the dog was very close to certification when he disappeared.

Vito is described as a large and friendly black German Shepherd who was last seen on Thursday near the intersection of Routes 301 and 450 in Bowie, close to the Shell gas station. Anyone who sees Vito is asked to call (301) 655-7643.

PGFD MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930, mebrady@co.pg.md.us