Holmdel's Police Dog Leads Rescuers to Man with Alzheimer's

On Saturday, a Holmdel Township Police dog Diogi lead rescuers through the woods to find a disoriented township resident with advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, according to police. 

Longtime township historian Gerald Ceres, 88, of McCampbell Road had gone missing after walking away from the family car in the driveway. After searching everywhere, his family called police at 5:22 p.m. Three officers quickly started a search. 

Also responding was K-9 Officer Joseph Van Pelt and his partner Diogi, a patrol tracking dog.

Back in the woods near the house, behind a thicket of brush and woods, Diogi found Ceres caught in brush. Sgt. Durdack and Ptl. McGraw helped the retired historian back to his home. "It was really within minutes," said Van Pelt. "It was a fresh enough scent." 

Ceres was reported to be frightened, confused, and fatigued but otherwise healthy, said police.

Ceres served as township historian for nearly 20 years stepping down in 2003. His contributions to the Holmdel include an exhaustive cemetery index with photos, which has been useful to people trying to reconstruct the ruined Hendrickson Burial Ground at Beau Ridge. He is also credited with rescuing Dr. Cooke's Medical Office from destruction.

A description of Ceres' many other accomplishments can be read here, on the county's website. 

Diogi, a five-year old German Shepherd, is one of four K-9s working for Holmdel Township. He is specially trained in tracking human scent.

He is named after a Florida K-9 dog who died in the line of duty. "Diogi" is a play on the pronounciation of "D-O-G." (Try saying that out loud, and that's how you say this dog's name!)