It’s with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chase, a much-loved COSAR K9 team member who was killed in a tragic accident Thursday night after our team training.

Chase, along with his handler, Terry Downs, joined COSAR 5-years ago as the team’s first certified search and rescue K9 member. Chase played an important role in dozens of searches in the Okanagan and around the province. Upon receiving his certification, one of the first searches that Chase was involved in resulted in him finding a missing hypothermic elderly subject, helping prevent a tragic outcome. Over his time with the team, Chase was responsible for numerous other successful finds.

As well as thousands of hours of training and involvement in searches, Chase was heavily involved in representing COSAR at community events and school presentations. His time representing the team in the community has made Chase the most recognized and beloved face of COSAR. 

Chase had an immense presence within the team. Not only did he bring an important skill set to the team on searches he was always there with a wagging tail bringing smiles and comfort to teammates when times were tough.

Chase received his initial validation as a search and rescue dog in 2021. Since that time, he re-certified 4 more times through the challenging RCMP validation program. As COSAR’s first certified K9 member, Chase is not only responsible for laying the foundation for the team’s K9 program, he has also set a very high bar for all other candidates to reach, including his brother Barrett who will carry the torch forward. Chase’s legacy within the team will carry on and his loss always felt.

On behalf of the team, our hearts go out to Terry and Barrett for their loss, which came much too soon. 

Thank you Chase for all that you brought to the team and the community. You will be missed but not forgotten. Rest easy, your watch is over.

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Update (Mar 20/2024):  For those of you who have been asking about donations and how we are recognizing and honoring Chase…

The plan is for Central Okanagan Search & Rescue to sponsor a trail in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park in memory of Chase. Donations can be made “In memory of Chase” to COSAR through the donate button on the website. 

Please don’t feel obligated to donate! Once the trail has been sponsored, I’m sure we will all enjoy adventuring in Chase’s memory.