K-9 units from across South Dakota got some special training today in Yankton.

It was possible thanks to a visit from a top authority on bloodhound searches. 

Jerry Yelk is a man from Wisconsin with hundreds of stories. 

He's been going on searches with bloodhound dogs for nearly 70 years. 

"And as of today, 1541 cases with over 95% success," Yelk says.
 
Yelk came to Yankton to share his talents with K-9 units from across the state. 

"It just worked out great that he was in the area," Bill Sohl says.
 
Bill Sohl is part of the Yankton Search and Rescue team. 

He and his dog, Rooster, are on-call 24-7 for rescues. 

When he heard that Yelk would be in the area, Sohl set up today's training so other bloodhound owners learn from Yelk's expertise. 

"He's definitely... Probably one of only three in the world with the experience that he has," Sohl says.

Sohl says training like what was done here today can mean the difference between life and death. 

" If we have a criminal situation or a lost child... Alzheimer patient that wanders off... The experience and the expertise that Jerry helped us with today will hopefully save someone's life... I know it will," Sohl says.

But... If you talk to Yelk... He acts like today was just another day at the park with his dogs. 

"I don't have much I just watch these people run these tracks and help them out... Any mistakes they're making," Yelk says.

But,  that small bit of advice may help others save lives.