PRESS RELEASE- The Search and Rescue
Union County had another major search and rescue mission from November 1st to the 5th. This was the third major search and rescue mission this year. As with all the other missions, I saw some extraordinary work from all the responding personnel and organizations who were involved. It makes me proud to be associated with these people and to be part of this community. The following is a brief description of the effort put into this mission.
The search and rescue mission involved a man who was hiking in the Gooch Gap area. His wife stated that he had been hiking on the Appalachian Trail for a couple hours each day for the last week and was usually home by 2 pm. She stated that he had not returned today as expected.
The initial search began by gathering information and locating his vehicle. This was quickly completed and a hasty search was conducted of the trail that he was believed to be hiking as well as the surrounding area. This search lasted into the night but nothing was found and another operation was planned.
For the next couple of days, we investigated, planned, and searched the area. Searching involved using helicopters, drones, dog teams, horses, vehicles, ATVs, and ground searchers. The Emergency Operations Center and Field Operations were staffed each day. This brief description doesn’t properly explain the hard work and dedication needed to complete this mission.
The search lasted for a total of four full days. The hope of finding him dwindled each day. The man was located on Tuesday afternoon. Some searchers had heard a noise in a nearby area. The noise was described as someone hitting a tree. Search teams and a drone was sent to the area where they found the subject. He was deep in the woods about ¾ of a mile off the Appalachian Trail in steep terrain. He was in fair condition, dehydrated, and hypothermic. He was hoisted from his location by the Army Ranger Blackhawk who transported him to the hospital in Dahlonega.
We would like to thank the organizations that were involved in this search: UC E911, UC Sheriff’s Office, UC Fire/EMA, UC CERT/SARA/MSAR, UC Government, GEMA, DNR, GSP, GSAR Task Force 1, USFS, Camp Frank D. Merrill, US ARMY, Lumpkin Co. EMA, Lumpkin Sheriff’s Office, White Co. EMA/CERT, Fannin Co. Fire/Rescue, Pickens Co. Dog Team, Cherokee Co. (NC) Rescue, and many other volunteers. Union County Fire Department ~Our Family Protecting Your Family~