BELFAST — When 89-year-old Russ Ulmer went out on his ATV to inspect a recent logging operation behind his Belfast home and failed to return a couple of hours later, his family called police after their own search turned up empty.

According to Warden Service Corp. John MacDonald in a press release Wednesday morning, Russ had taken his ATV for a ride behind his home at approximately 6:30 p.m. and did not return. Family searched behind the residence and located the ATV, but could not find Russ and called 911.

Maine Warden Service game wardens and Belfast Police responded to the Russ residence on Shepard Road around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. Also responding to the area to assist in the search were canine handlers with the Maine Association of Search and Rescue Dogs, Waldo County Sheriff’s deputies and members of the Belfast Fire Department.

Shepard Road is located between Route 137/7 and Poors Mill Road.

At 3:50 a.m. Wednesday, retired Game Warden and current MASARD member Deborah Palmen and her K-9 located Russ.

Russ had become lost after leaving his ATV and setting off on foot to inspect the logging operation.

MacDonald said Russ was cold but otherwise in good health. He was taken to Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast by Belfast ambulance for evaluation.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 706-6655.