[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 159 (Monday, September 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6829-S6830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING IDAHO MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE K-9 STELLA BLUE

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I pay tribute to the Idaho Mountain 
Search and Rescue Unit, IMSARU, in Boise, as they mourn the unexpected 
loss of one of the unit's treasured K-9s, Stella Blue.
  Stella Blue was an instrumental part of this team. She faithfully 
served her community with honor and dedication in her role as a live 
find search and rescue K-9 team member. She committed thousands of 
hours and countless miles in search of lost and missing people, 
bringing comfort, light, and hope to her team and to the people of 
Idaho.
  Stella's life and the loss felt by her teammates is a reminder of the 
extraordinary dedication of the Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue Unit. 
These committed individuals voluntarily give incredible amounts of 
their time to not only helping their fellow Idahoans and others in 
distress, but also ensuring they and the K-9s entrusted to aid with 
their searches are

[[Page S6830]]

effectively trained. Stella Blue's handler, Brian Marinelli, a Boise 
teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran, devoted innumerable hours to Stella 
Blue's training, while forging a bond cemented in trust. I also 
recognize the loss felt by the Marinelli family--Brian's wife Midori 
and their children Sara and Dante--as Stella Blue was a cherished 
member of their family in addition to her service to the people of 
Idaho.
  As I extend my condolences to Brian Marinelli and the entire Idaho 
Mountain Search and Rescue Unit, I also thank the team for its 
outstanding service. Stella Blue's days were too few but exceedingly 
well spent. And your remembrance of her as a trusted partner, teammate, 
and friend is a moving example of your devotion to those you search for 
and alongside. Thank you for your loyal and dedicated service.

                          ____________________