Overview
- Splash and trainer Michael Hadsell visited the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday for a live demonstration of the otter’s recovery skills.
- The sheriff’s office described the partnership as a creative collaboration designed to help solve cases in tough environmental conditions.
- Sheriff John Budensiek said he would seek Splash’s assistance in local water cases if divers cannot locate individuals quickly.
- Splash is trained to detect human remains in low-visibility water and works as part of a dive team with Southwest Florida nonprofit Peace River K9 Search and Rescue.
- The agency introduced Splash on social media following the visit, noting he is the nation’s first search-and-rescue recovery otter.