It's now been more than 24 hours since David Riek was last seen, and after postponing the ground search last night due to weather and darkness, crews have once again head out in search of the 44-year-old Ridgefield resident.
A Command Center has been set up at 48 High Valley Road in Ridgefield, where local and state police, firefighters and volunteers gathered at 8:30 a.m. to once again launch a coordinated search that includes the assistance of K-9 units.
Ridgefield police are directing anyone who wants to help in the search to the , located at 40 Florida Road, to receive assignments.
Police Lt. John McAllister said the staging area has been set up to avoid duplication of efforts and make sure that the scent-sensitive search canines aren't interfered with.
In an email to Patch late last night, Ridgefield Fire Chief Heather Burford recapped yesterday's efforts:
"Today we had about 25 emergency workers, several canines, and about 35 friends and family help in the search. Through the night there will be routine patrols of the area and the police are still seeking leads."
"We will resume in the morning with fresh canine units, emergency personnel, and volunteer searchers if necessary," she continued.
Riek was last seen yesterday when he left his residence off of Florida Road at 7 a.m. on Sept. 8, for one of his routine Saturday morning runs. A long-distance runner, Riek typically returns by 8:30 a.m., but he never came home.
Given the long-distance nature of Riek's runs, the search area extends several square miles. Police are asking anyone who may have seen him to call the department at 203-438-6531.
Meanwhile, the family and community are hoping and praying for Riek's safe return home. Several members of the community extended well wishes and prayers yesterday when the news of the search was posted on Patch.
Among those who left a were Riek's mother, , who wrote, "my son please come home and thank you to all the people , police, state troopers, fire fighters, volunteers anyone thankyou for helping us to look for our son, husband brother, friend and dad this is heartbreaking."
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