April 1, 2010 - Search organizers are optimistic and are moving forward with the April 10 ground search effort for clues into the disappearance of Susan Cox Powell. Because of the search they have faith that something will be found before or during the search.
Safety, logistical, and liability concerns have been raised by law enforcement and Susan's family. Search organizers will issue a press release Friday addressing those concerns.
Examiner.com will publish the press release Friday and will keep its readers updated as information becomes available.
In the meantime, David Schirado, the Battalion Chief for Bridgerland Fire Company, posted on the Friends and Family of Susan Powell Facebook page that his company has been put in charge of the medical portion of the search on April 10.
"Being an all volunteer group," he said, "we have been seeking sponsors to buy the necessary supplies our team needs to assure a safe search for everyone and to deal with emergencies."
Schirado says hopefully no one will be injured during the search but they will be ready should the need arise.
"If anyone would like to be a sponsor they can email us at bridgerlandfire@gmail.com," Schirado said. "Any donations will need to be received by April 5 so we can get our order in and receive it by the search date. I look forward to working with everyone on April 10."
Comments have been made that searching the Simpson Springs area makes no sense since police say they've intensely searched the area. However, combing an area after police have searched is not uncommon.
In the case of Morgan D. Harrington, 20, who disappeared in Virginia, Ed Smart went to assist in organizing a ground search effort where police had already searched. Smart said, "Searchers can go over an area three times before they find something."
When one Texas man went missing about 200 volunteers searched far and wide. It was the largest search people had seen in their county. The Fire Chief said, "Basically we're combing back over the area, we have more resources now to go back over the area to really get after it with canines and horseback and really go over the area with a fine tooth comb and try to find this missing person."
In early January, when Susan had been missing less than a month, Shelby Gifford, spokesperson for Susan's family, said, "The family is very aware of the offers to help [in a volunteer ground search effort] and are cataloging those offers of service and so are the police. When and if the time comes we will use as many of those services as needed. The family expresses a great deal of gratitude for what people are doing.”
Susan has been missing for nearly four months. Her friends and family have done an excellent job in keeping Susan's name and photo in the media.
However, Susan is still missing and the public has received no new information from police indicating they are any closer to finding her.
People have anxiously awaited springtime so people can go out and physically search for clues into Susan's disappearance.
Organizers of the search have said they are optimistic good will come from this search. They are looking for like-minded professionals to gather to search the West Desert for clues into Susan's disappearance. More information will be provided of the role of the general public in Friday's press release.
Organizers told Examiner.com they have received an overwhelming response, including offers from trained professionals. Some are experienced search and rescue teams, some have firefighting experience, others have medical experience, and even those with prior or current military experience have volunteered to join in the search.
There has been an outpouring of support from people who are passionate about this search and the good it will bring. Many of Susan's friends and family are excited about the huge media exposure the search will undoubtedly bring, as they believe it is vital to keep Susan's story in the news.
Few details about the case:
Susan Cox Powell, 28, went missing from her West Valley City home Dec. 6. Her husband, Josh Powell, is the last known person to see her when she went to bed at midnight. He told police and media that just after Susan went to bed he took their two young sons, then ages 2 and 4, on an overnight camping trip.
It was snowing that night and temperatures were subfreezing. He claims he forgot what day it was and that he went camping because he and his boys liked to do S'Mores. He said when he returned the following day his wife had disappeared and he didn't know where she was.
His story has been largely criticized and disbelieved.
Josh Powell is the only person of interest in what police call a missing person's case with suspicious criminal overtones.
Sources:
Examiner.com
Facebook
KXII.com
DailyProgress.com
ABC 4 News
Comments
It's about time!!!!!
The MINES! Search all the mines!!
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