Michigan State Troopers were able to safely reunite a missing two-year-old boy in Blackman Charter Township with his father on April 5. The child’s parents had reported him missing around 8 p.m. This unfolding, real-time crisis prompted an immediate response from local law enforcement and first responders. Blackman Charter Township, located approximately an hour outside of Detroit, became the scene of a critical search effort as temperatures dipped into the 40s that night.
One of those troopers, tactical flight officer Trooper Brandon Franklin was key to the trooper operation. He emphasized the urgency of the mission, stating, “We got to find this baby as soon as possible.” The minor–who was reportedly in only a diaper–was at an extreme risk with the freezing temperatures outside.
First responders used the most advanced heat seeking technology available to help find the child as quickly as possible, including an infrared helicopter camera. This big-picture tech coordination was critical in the mission’s success. After only 15 minutes of searching, the team saw this little girl walking in a culvert alongside a major highway.
Michigan State Police Sgt. Martin helps coordinate a portion of the search. He was still firmly resolved to find the child, no matter how great the risks. “We weren’t leaving until we found that child,” he stated, underscoring the determination of the troopers involved. When they got to the apartment, the front door was ajar. The absence of this important detail was clearly a factor in this child’s disappearance.
Infrared camera on helicopter helped responders move safely through dark terrain. Their training and their big technology hands helped them respond almost immediately. They interceded between a stopped train and what may have been a catastrophically dangerous scenario.
That tactical flight officer training is what helped Trooper Franklin stay cool under high pressure. The collaboration seen during this operation was a testament to their dedication to saving lives.
“We got him!” – One of the troopers (Michigan State Police)
Sgt. Martin reflected on the training that prepared them for such emergencies, stating, “We train for this and make sure that we leave with happy endings and don’t fall short of that.”
