Hamilton police call on Caledon ATV search and rescue for help

Wednesday, Jan. 31 John Penny, team leader of the Ontario ATV Search and Rescue Federation, received a phone call at approximately 11 a.m. from Hamilton Police, SAR (Search and Rescue) Commander Sgt. Duncan MacDougal requesting the assistance of the Caledon District Ontario ATV Search and Rescue group to aid in the search of a missing 55-year-old man.

The vast rough terrain was an area that Hamilton Police were unable to properly search.

Dwight Banks, assistant team leader and Palgrave volunteer firefighter, along with John Penny, headed for the town of Waterdown.

After preparing all necessary emergency gear and equipment without delay, they arrived at the command post in two hours to prepare for debriefing.

The weather was bitterly cold and the ground was covered with about 10 inches of snow. The snow was actually an added help in looking for clues, footprints and also condensed the high marshy thistles to ground level. This enabled the two men to search the vast area five times less the time it would have been to cover the area in the summer.

Hamilton Police were very cordial and treated group members with total respect and courtesy. They were fed and kept warm throughout the day.

Even with the use of a helicopter, six-wheeled Argos, police search dogs, numerous trained police personnel and the Caledon ATVs, the search was unsuccessful.

The day ended with another debriefing whereby the John and Dwight reported their findings and area description. Both gentlemen were very confident that the area grid they were given was completely searched and covered with no signs or clues of the missing person.

Michael Hamm was found dead Feb. 1. Apparently he was only 10 feet from one of the ATV tracks under brush.

According to Penny, this is just another example of the local group's continued support to assist local authorities, family members of missing persons and our communities throughout Ontario.

Please take time to visit their Web site at www.oatvsarf.org to learn more about this charity organization. Donations to cover equipment costs, training etc are always welcome.

The group is holding a fund-raiser at the Mill Pond in Palgrave Feb. 24from noon to 6 p.m. Hot dogs ,hot chocolate, coffee, drinks, etc. Everyone is invited to attend.