State Rep. Jaime Greene recently attended the graduation ceremony for local search and rescue (S.A.R.) dogs Axe, Bentley, and Fred. Trained by the Richmond and Lenox Fire Departments, these dogs and their handlers have been working over the past year to become a vital resource for the community.

The graduation event, held this week at the Richmond Fire Department Hall, brought community members together to celebrate the achievement. All funding for the dogs’ training came from local donations, demonstrating what can be accomplished when the community works together.

“Axe, Bentley, and Fred don’t care about politics, and that’s what makes their work so special,” Greene said. “They are here for everyone, and they bring our community together. These dogs show us that some things are bigger than our differences — and helping people is one of them.”

The S.A.R. teams consist of the dogs and their dedicated handlers: Nick and Gavin Yelenich, co-handlers for Axe; Sue Baggins, who trains Bentley; and Dustin Krueger, Fred’s handler. Greene thanked Clifton Morgan for donating his time to train the teams and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the handlers and their families to ensure the dogs are ready to serve.

“The dedication of these handlers hasn’t gone unnoticed, and we owe them a huge thank you,” Greene said. “Sue and Bentley’s recent graduation is just the beginning of what they will accomplish together. Alongside Nick, Gavin, Axe, Dustin, and Fred, these teams are now ready to answer the call when someone is missing. The bond they’ve built — based on trust, precision, and a shared mission — demonstrates what makes our community strong.”

Greene encourages the community to continue supporting these teams and the work they do.

“Search and rescue dogs like Axe, Bentley, and Fred remind us that even when times are tough, unity, compassion, and a willingness to help can bring us all together,” Greene said.

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