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Search on for BC Mountie

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http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1117912659492_2?hub=topstories

Search underway in B.C. lake for missing Mountie
CTV.ca News Staff

A police helicopter and search vessels are combing Okanagan Lake, near Vernon, British Columbia, for a Mountie who failed to surface after falling off a police Zodiac.

The RCMP constable fell into the water at about 3 p.m. PT Friday afternoon near the Vernon yacht club, in what police are calling an accident.

"We received a 9-1-1 call shortly after 3 p.m. . . . from a recreational boater on Okanagan Lake, that he had observed and witnessed one of our on duty members go overboard from our police boat," said Corp. Henry Proce of Vernon, RCMP.

It's not known if the constable was wearing a life jacket.

"From what I understand, he wasn't," said Leigh Pearson of Vernon Search and Rescue. "And he was wearing his full equipment. He was on duty. He was wearing everying from the gun belt to the bullet proof vest."

Volunteer firefighters were first to respond, and a search quickly mobilized and continued until night fell on Friday. The search picked up again early this morning.

"We've got Vernon Seach and Rescue there, we've got a police helicopter there, and probably a dozen or two civilian watercraft that were assisting us in the search as well," said Proce, adding that he's still hopeful the constable may have been able to swim to shore and will be found alive.

But Pearson told CTV Vancouver, "I believe at this point it's probably a recovery, unfortunately."

"It's just a fact of life . . . he's been the in the water a long time."

Pearson described the constable, whose name is being withheld for now, as a long-time Vernon resident who's well known in the community.

"It's gonna be hard for them, I think," he said.

The incident comes just months after a Vernon RCMP auxilliary member was killed and a uniformed officer was seriously injured when their cruiser was broadsided by a stolen vehicle.

With a report from CTV Vancouver's Shannon Paterson

I hope things work out for the best.

 
From CBC.CA

Dive teams located the body of a drowned RCMP officer Monday after a four-day search in British Columbia's Okanagan Lake.

Police say 46-year-old Joseph Minguy fell out of a moving police zodiac boat on Friday afternoon while on routine patrol.

He briefly surfaced, but he sank below the waves before he could be reached. A passing boater called 911, and a massive search has been underway ever since.

The 23-year veteran of the RCMP was wearing equipment on his duty belt, boots and a bullet-proof vest when he fell.

Witnesses say Minguy was not wearing a personal flotation device although the RCMP have not confirmed it. Whether he was wearing a life vest is expected to be a central focus of the investigation now underway by the B.C. Coroner's Office and the Workers Compensation Board.

Leigh Pearson, a personal friend of Minguy and leader of the Vernon Search and Rescue team, said he was a highly respected officer and will be missed.

Minguy had two sons aged 11 and 13.

Meet you in the Stand Easy, brother.  Rest in Peace.  :salute:  :'(
 
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