A Cascade County judge is back home and recovering after being in the cold for four hours Friday.
8th Judicial District Court Judge John Parker suffered mainly frostbite on his feet, but he is in great spirits.
On Friday, Parker went after his dog, Duchess, after she got away from him in the Missouri Bend area south of Great Falls.
Parker ran into some issues with the weather while he was chasing after Duchess.
The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and Cascade County Search and Rescue were called when Parker did not return home.
He was found about one mile from his home and flown by Malmstrom Air Force Base’s 40th Helicopter Squadron to the hospital.
Duchess was still missing as of Monday morning. She is a black and white boxer/lab mix. If you see or capture the dog, please call dispatch at 406-727-7688 X5.
Parker and his family are thankful for the first responders and volunteers who took part in his rescue.
(March 1, 2019) Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter has confirmed Judge John Parker was found alive.
Sheriff Slaughter said Parker was taken to Benefis Health System.
He said Judge Parker is alert and in stable condition.
Sheriff Slaughter said he did not know the exact location Parker was found, but he estimated about a mile away from his home.
He also estimates that Parker was outside in the elements approximately 4 hours.
Parker was reported missing south of Great Falls around 2:30 p.m. Friday. It was believed he went after a small dog, according to Sheriff Slaughter.
Sheriff Slaughter said, “He was found by Lieutenant Mahlum and Corporal Boyd, were tracking him and waving the helicopter ahead cause they believed that’s where they perceived he would end up and they led right to him. John parker is a very important part of our community and were very blessed beyond belief that he’s okay.”
He added that Parker’s family is so grateful for the outpouring of community support and all the people willing to help.
Judge Parker’s dog is still missing.
