‘It’s just really strange’: Retired dog handler weighs in on search for missing N.S. children

The search for missing siblings, Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, in rural Nova Scotia has left search and rescue crews puzzled as they once again return empty-handed after more than two weeks of extensive searches in Lansdowne Station. The children went missing on May 2, prompting a massive operation involving over 160 ground search and rescue officials, dog teams, drones, and helicopters.

Despite covering 5.5 square kilometers of heavily wooded areas surrounding the siblings’ home, the search yielded no results, leading to a scaling back of the operation after six days. However, search and rescue crews were called back to Lansdowne Station over the weekend for another search, focusing on specific areas around Gairloch Road. The RCMP spokesperson stated that officials would review the collected information and determine the next steps in the search efforts.

Retired RCMP dog handler, Glenn Brown, expressed his disbelief at the fact that the Sullivan children have not been found, calling the situation “really strange.” Brown, who has been involved in numerous searches throughout his career, highlighted the unusual nature of the case involving young children disappearing without a trace. He emphasized the persistent questions that haunt searchers about the whereabouts of the siblings and the exhaustive efforts undertaken to locate them.

Robert Koester, a search mission co-ordinator with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, shed light on the rarity of not finding the subject of a search, citing statistics from a vast database of search and rescue incidents worldwide. He pointed out various reasons why individuals may not be located during a search, including the challenges of spotting people in dense wilderness and the possibility of individuals hiding in obscure locations.

While the specifics of what prompted the renewed search efforts remain undisclosed by the RCMP, Brown mentioned common factors that could lead to a reinitiation of search operations in missing persons cases. These factors could include receiving new tips or evidence, reviewing information that warrants further examination, or addressing logistical constraints that hindered previous search activities.

Brown emphasized the emotional toll on search and rescue officials and police officers involved in the ongoing efforts to locate Lilly and Jack, noting that they carry the weight of the search with them every step of the way. The heart-wrenching situation has gripped the community and law enforcement alike, with the RCMP major crime unit actively investigating the case since the children’s disappearance.

As the search for Lilly and Jack continues, the community remains hopeful for a breakthrough in the case, while authorities keep a vigilant eye out for any leads or developments. The unresolved nature of the siblings’ disappearance underscores the complexity and challenges of missing persons cases, underscoring the need for continued support and resources in search and rescue operations.