To read letter, click here.

At the time of this posting, I am on my way to another search. Before I go, I am on my way to deposit a small check I received from a construction job I did, into the Texas EquuSearch account so that we can help another family. (See copy below.)

We were able to help bring closure to another family yesterday with the help of some hard working Texas EquuSearch members, along with the help of the local community who so willingly helped us because of the work we have done and continue to do.

I would invite any person who sits, wearing a suit on television, to come and put your jeans and boots on and join us on a real search. I wonder who our “so-called experts” are.

I would like to quote Abraham Lincoln:

If I tried to read, much less answer all the criticisms made of me, and all the attacks leveled against me, this office would have to be closed for all other business. I do the very best I know how, the very best I know how, the very best I can, I mean to keep on doing this down to the very end.

A. Lincoln

http://stephww.wordpress.com/2009/08/26/police-misty-cummings-holds-the-key-to-haleigh-cummings-dissapearance/

We are leaving with tears in our eyes and pain in our heart, for we have not found Haleigh yet.  However, we are also leaving with many new friends and much hope…for we have met a lot of new people and seen the best that people have to offer.  This search effort has brought out the best in mankind.  When tragedy struck this small community of Satsumah, the residents responded.  Our members and volunteers have been treated with the utmost care and respect and we are so very grateful. 

All for the love of a child, strangers and neighbors alike have come together in a massive labor of love.  Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to each and every one of you who participated in every way in this effort.

Continue to keep Haleigh and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

On Sunday, Jan returned. This afternoon, she handed us a piece of paper with some heartfelt words she had written. I think they speak for themselves:

“Young and old, they come to search for a child they don’t even know.  they struggle through dense brush, embedded with thorny vines lying in wait to snare a hiker.  Ohters come on horseback or ATV’s; desperately searching.  Whatever skills and equipment they possess, they come.

The event is well organized and operated for the utmost use of resources and the safety of all personnel.

There’s a job for everyone.  If you are able-bodied, you can search through the rugged terrain.  You can sign in and sign out the volunteers.  You can do paperwork.  You can cook or work the food table.  You can direct traffic.  All it takes is a willing heart, determination and stamina.

Until every lost child and adult are brought home safe, volunteers such as these will do whatever they can to find them.

                  – Jan Lawrence
                    Marion County, Florida

Rest assured, there have been many willing hearts present in Satsuma, Florida this weekend.

Tomorrow’s search will begin at 8:00am.  We need foot searchers only, as we have received commitments on horse searchers already.  Please dress appropriately as noted below.  Command center will still be at 194 Buffalo Bluff in Satsuma, FL.  To volunteer, you must be 18 years old or older and have a valid photo ID.  In order to make the check in process easier, please download, complete and bring with you, a copy of the Volunteer Registration form and a copy of your valid photo ID.  Click here  for the Registration form.

02/13/09 – Texas EquuSearch began the first day of coordinated volunteer search efforts today, in conjunction with local and state law enforcement.  As of 9:30am, EST, approximately 100 volunteers have shown up, in addition to the core TES team and law enforcement.  We are extremely pleased with the turnout that we are seeing and the level of cooperation that we are receiving from the community.

If you are interested in volunteering today, or over the weekend if the search continues, please keep your eye on this website for updates.  To volunteer, you must be 18 years old or older and have a valid photo ID.  In order to make the check in process easier, please download, complete and bring with you, a copy of the Volunteer Registration form and a copy of your valid photo ID.  Click here  for the Registration form.

We need people to search on foot and on horseback.  We do not need ATV’s at this time.  Horse owners must bring a copy of a negative Coggins report for each horse, to be retained by TES for our records.   At this time, we are not in need of any K-9 teams.

Please make sure to dress appropriately for searching.  Long pants, long sleeve shirt, comfortable walking shoes or boots (water resistant recommended), and heavy socks are appropriate.  For safety purposes, no shorts are allowed.  Please bring bug spray, sunscreen and a walking stick.  Because we are in a very remote area, all searchers should bring their own lunches and snacks.

IMPORTANT – Do not bring pets or children to the Command Center.  For safety purposes, they are not allowed, and although we hate to do so, we will have to ask you to leave.  Safety of our volunteers always comes first.

Our command center will be located at 194 East Buffalo Bluff in Satsuma, Florida.  We encourage all TES members and other volunteers to be at the command center at 8:00am on Friday morning to begin searching.  We are in need of foot searchers, searchers on horseback and on ATV’s.  Please dress in long pants, long sleeve shirt, good walking shoes or boots,  and socks.  Bring a walking stick, mosquito spray and sunscreen.  Searchers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid photo ID.  No children or pets will be allowed.

It is also imperative that searchers bring their own lunches and snacks.  Because of the area we are in, food facilities are not readily available.  Please continue to check this website for updates.

02/10/09 – Florida Amber Alert Issued for missing 5 year old Haleigh Cummings.  Haleigh was reported missing from her home in the Hermit’s Cove area of Satsuma, Florida when it was noticed that she was not in her bed at 3:30am when her father’s girlfriend went to check on her.

Haleigh is 3 feet tall and weighs approximately 39 pounds.  She has blond hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear.  Anyone with any information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at 386-329-0808 or dial 911.

To view and print a Missing Person Poster, click here