Police often get slagged when something goes wrong but during a search and rescue operation in Baysille, they were applauded as heroes.
Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover sent a shout-out to members of the Huntsville Ontario Provincial Police Detachment.
He told his fellow councillors at their May 10 meeting that he had been returning home from a meeting in the early hours of the evening on May 5 and noticed motorists going rather slowly in the village of Baysville.
A 74-year-old woman suffering from dementia had wandered from her home and had been reported missing. She was believed to be lost in the woods and police were dispatched to the area at 6:33 p.m., according to the OPP.
“I was just so proud of our OPP,” said Glover “The OPP jumped right in.”
Glover said it was a tough night for those trying to sleep as all the dogs in the neighbourhood were barking “because of course the helicopters were flying very low to find the woman.”
Fortunately, said Glover, the woman was found close to home with no injuries. “It’s really a wonderful thing to have services working so well for you. So, that turned out extremely well and I thought it was worth sharing,” he added.
Huntsville OPP officers along with Bracebridge OPP officers, OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine and OPP Aviation Services, (helicopter) conducted a search of the area during the evening hours. The female was located in good health at approximately 10:30 p.m. and returned home to her husband.
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Doug Austin says
Fully agree …
I worked closely with ERT and occasionally TRU (Tactics & Rescue Unit) from time to time as a Civilian Member in what was called Telecom. Branch on many searches, etc in the Eastern Region.
I was always proud of how serious they took their work, ‘ Like a dog on a good bone’ they worked hard under often stressful and difficult situations. That part of the job I miss, now retired for many years.
Kyle DeSoto says
I’m happy to hear the opp did the job they are highly trained and highly paid for. Well done, you earned your pay.