By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr.

Staff Writer

ALTON — Two local police officers and their search dog have received commendations for their efforts in rescuing two small children who became lost in a swamp in Barnstead earlier this month.

Cpl. Ryan Heath and Lt. Charles Anderson were issued commendations by the Board of Selectmen on Monday along with "Rom"— the department’s K-9 unit.

As the sun went down and temperatures dropped on April 10, Heath and Anderson trudged through waist-deep waters as the dog followed the scent of the two missing youths, ages 7 and 9, through thick woods.

According to Alton Police Chief Kevin Iwans, "Rom" led the officers through a 1½-mile "obstacle course" that took them directly through heavy brush and cold waters.

Anderson said he and his team was concerned with the condition of children, who could be drenched or worse.

"The water was waist-deep for us at some points so we didn’t know what kind of a predicament they were in," he said.

The trio eventually came upon the children, who were found clinging to a tree on one of the swamp’s islands.

Police said the children were cold and scared, but safe.

Iwans and others are crediting the officers’ skills and dedication with having ensured the children’s safe return.

The chief said he is most proud of the officers diligence in doing whatever it took to find the youths.

"They could have easily turned around or gone around the swamp, but they didn’t. They went into that cold water and carried those kids out on their backs ... that to me is something that deserves recognition," said Iwans.

Iwans said that while the officers were just doing their job, they showed particular resolve in executing their search. He said such incidents show that police work is more than just making arrests and solving crimes.

"This is what you train and live for," he said.

Anderson said the rescue operation’s success can largely be attributed to training.

"You do a lot of different type of work and jobs as a police officer, but when you can do that it’s rewarding," said Anderson.

The lieutenant praised his K-9 and Heath, who he described as his "eyes" during the search.

Anderson said as he watched at the dog’s reactions to the scent, Heath navigated them through tough terrain until they eventually heard shouts.

"He did a fantastic job ... he even carried both of the kids at some points," said Anderson.