JEMEZ SPRINGS, NM – The search for Jemez Ranger District engine captain Token Adams continues today.
Token, who has been missing since Friday, Aug. 30, has been the focus of an intense search effort by numerous Federal, State, County and local agency personnel as well as many volunteers throughout the holiday weekend.
The family, fellow employees and the entire community of Jemez Springs have anxiously waited for the past five days in hopes that Token would be quickly found.
Token’s wife Heidi has released the following statement: “We would like to express the heartfelt gratitude we feel for all the men and women that are out there searching for Token. We are thankful for all the support we have received from the community and our Forest Service Family. Words cannot express how grateful we are to everyone involved. Please continue to respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
Cooperators from various agencies continue their search using multiple methods including ATV, UTV, search dogs, horseback, foot travel, fixed wing aircraft and Blackhawk helicopters. An additional Fire Watch Airplane has been ordered that has infrared capability to detect heat sources.
Search teams are using a gridding technique to ensure that all areas are covered thoroughly before eliminating and moving to a different area.
A check-in system has been established to track searchers every half hour. As new crews continue arriving, they are being plugged into the system and are providing the added benefit of fresh eyes on the ground.
Weather may once again become an issue today with as there continues to be a chance of wetting rains in the area.
Joe Reinarz’s Southwest Incident Management Team assumed command of search efforts as part of a unified command this morning and will oversee the organization of search efforts in coordination with New Mexico State Police.
