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Written by: E. George
Published July 9, 2024 @ 5:30 PM ET
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Just under 100 public safety workers, including deputies, firefighters, and officers, gathered in Forsyth County on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, to search for a missing elderly man. Officials explained that 80-year-old Horace Dixon had meandered away from his Valley Circle residence that morning.
Deputies said the temperatures were rapidly reaching the mid-90s, and Dixon had multiple health conditions that put him at severe risk. They commenced searching immediately.
The operation began with 30 county deputies, K9s, and drones, with officers, firefighters, and other local workers joining the search. Dixon was discovered after five hours in a wooded area.
Officials said he was dehydrated and had sustained a few minor injuries. They believed he would probably not have survived overnight.
After receiving treatment for his injuries, he was returned to his family.
Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman stated, “I am awed by the teamwork and dedication every public safety professional demonstrated in this search. This is proof of solid regional and local relationships.
I heard more than once, ‘We have to find him; we can’t accept any other outcome.’ Every single person there was committed to his rescue.”