Officials Search New Area For Missing Retired Firefighter
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QUINLAN (CBSDFW.COM) - Officials in Hunt County launched a new search Wednesday for the retired Dallas firefighter who has been missing for nearly two weeks. Michael Chambers vanished on March 10, and authorities have some new information about his possible location.
The search efforts, involving about 20 searchers and a K-9 team, are focused on an area that has not been checked before -- a heavily wooded spot to the southwest of the retired firefighter's home. According to the Hunt County Sheriff's Office, specially trained canines discovered something in the new area on Saturday. Officials would not elaborate.
Investigators found a small amount of blood in the 70-year-old man's home workshop and test results back today confirmed it is Chambers'.
Sergeant Jeff Haines, with the Hunt County Sheriff's Office, said the uncertainty is talking a toll on those who know and love Chambers. "The family is having a very difficult time with this situation. It's been 12 days and obviously they want some answers," he said.
Officials have searched through a five-acre area northeast of Quinlan, but found no sign of Chambers. Surveillance video from a nearby Walmart store shows a person who appears to be Chambers leaving on the day that he went missing. "It just doesn't feel like something that could be happening to our dad," said his daughter, Cheri Haynes.
Family members of Chambers are offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to his whereabouts. He was described as a white male who stands 6' 3" tall and weighs about 225 pounds. He has gray hair, but is balding. Chambers is not known to have any medical disabilities.
Chambers retired from Dallas Fire Rescue in 2008.
Anyone who may be able to help is urged to call 911 or the Hunt County Sheriff's Office at 903-453-6838.