Bunnell, FL - Sheriff Rick Staly of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office recognizes a group of volunteers who helped in the search for a missing Palm Coast teen.
17-year-old Rickey Wheeler was originally reported missing back on September 21st. FCSO deputies along with the bike patrol, marine unit and a plethora of other agencies with the Sheriff's Office searched tirelessly for Wheeler.
On September 25th, the community decided to organize a structured volunteer search, with over 100 turning up to help find Wheeler, who was in need of medication.
Not long after the event started, Sergeant Emmett Merritt and his K9 Bloodhound, Putnam, found Wheeler.
Later on, he would be transported to the hospital before being returned home with a tracking device that could help find him if he were to wander off again.
“This family experienced every parent’s worst nightmare – their child vanished,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “But our community – most of them strangers to the Wheeler family – stopped
in their tracks to help find him. The support was overwhelming and it is a testament to Flagler County
and the people that live here.”
Wheeler (center) with Isis, his sister. Tyisha, his mother (both Left of Wheeler, respectively). Sheriff Rick Staly, and Anthony and Dawn Butrym, the first couple to join the search effort (L & R ends)
Wheeler was in attendance with his mother and sister. His mother, Tyisha Wheeler, spoke to the crowd and thanked them, expressing her appreciation and that Rickey would not be alive today if it weren't for the efforts made by the community. Many of the volunteers attended the event to receive certificates of appreciation from Sheriff Staly, and to see how Rickey is doing now. Click here to see a video of the ceremony's highlights, courtesy of FCSO.
