Missing Firefighters Dog Found Safe
Duke, the dog belonging to missing California firefighter Michael Herdman was found today; he is exhausted but appears to be in good shape. After he was found the Arcadia Firefighter’s Assn. posted a photo of Duke with the caption “They found Duke!!! Great news!!! Now for Mike!!!”
If there’ no sign of the missing fireman tonight search efforts are going to be scaled back. Crews will be reduced to 15 rather than the 90 that were out this morning. Herdman was last seen on June 13, he disappeared while backpacking in the Los Padres National Forest north of Fillmore.
Herdman was camping with a friend when Duke took off. Herdman ran off into the woods barefoot after Duke and hasn’t been seen since. Duke had been spotted multiple times over the past week, the crews were hoping he’d be able lead them to Herdman. Duke was caught earlier today at the start of the trail – 12 miles from where he was last seen just a few days ago.
Los Padres National Forest is twice the size of the Grand Canyon. Crews have been searching a 50 square mile radius for the past week. 90 searchers specialized in search and rescue were out this morning continuing the search. Several unmanned aircrafts with cameras and drones have been utilized this week in the search effort.
Right now it’s still considered a rescue mission rather than a recovery. Herdman’s friends and family are hopeful that his experience and training in the outdoors will keep him safe until he can be rescued. Read more at LA Times.
Update 7/1 – Unfortunately the body of Mike Herdman was discovered after a nearly two week search. Prayers to his family and friends.
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