Wicklow Civil Defence – Search & Recovery Operation – January 2014

21 January 2014

Members of Wicklow Civil Defence were mobilised in recent days to assist the Gardaí in the search for a missing person. A 28 year old resident of Newtownmountkennedy was reported missing on 12th January 2014.
Following an initial unsuccessful search of the local area conducted by the family of the missing man assisted by neighbours and friends An Garda Síochána became involved and on Wednesday 15th January requested the assistance of Wicklow Civil Defence. Civil Defence Officer (CDO), Michael Richardson began the process of instigating a search plan in conjunction with the Gardaí.
The search began at first light on 16th January. 20 Civil Defence members assembled at the local Garda Station to assist several Garda Officers. The search continued until light failed and a number of leads and reports from the public were investigated while specific local fields and forest areas were searched by teams of volunteers.
On Friday morning Wicklow Civil Defence was joined by Dublin Civil Defence, under the command of Assistant Civil Defence Officer (ACDO), Fergus Byrne. Based on family requests the main search parties were moved to nearby Djouce Mountain, a very popular hill-climbing location which proved a very difficult and vast area to search.
Following a reappraisal of the search operation, Gardaí, in conjunction with Civil Defence Command & Control Officers, decided to re-search certain areas close to the family home. Consequently, search teams were transported back to Newtownmountkennedy. Within two hours the body of the missing man was discovered in a densely wooded location. After a lengthy and difficult operation the remains of the missing man was removed and transported to the nearest hospital.
Following the operation CDO, Michael Richardson and Senior Garda Officers commended all Civil Defence members for their dedication in giving up their time to assist in the successful recovery of the missing man. It was a very challenging operation for all concerned but the end result has brought closure to this tragic event for his family and friends.

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