Missing kids found after search in Jemison

Published 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 8, 2020

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By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

Two kids playing outside quickly turned into a multi-agency police search in Jemison Jan. 2.

According to Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer, at approximately noon on that date Jemison police were notified of a missing 11-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy in the area of Dixon Circle and Honeycutt Road.

The two kids are believed to have wandered off into the woods nearby and presumably gotten lost.

“We immediately called and had assistance from Clanton Police Department, Thorsby Police Department and the (Chilton County) Sheriff’s Office,” Fulmer said. “We also called in tracking dogs and the state helicopter from ALEA who responded and assisted in the search.”

Fulmer said the kids were found within an hour and a half of the start of the search. They were located on Ellison Road approximately three miles from where they entered the woods.

“It was cold and rainy that day, so you can imagine the kids were extremely cold and wet,” Fulmer said. (I am) very thankful we were able to get them located in a short period of time considering the location and the elements.”

Fulmer said Jemison Rescue checked the kids and determined they were in good health.

“The kids’ family members were very appreciative and thankful as well,” Fulmer said. “I am very appreciative of all who responded and assisted in the search.”

Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed said the “whole department” was out looking for the children while discussing the incident during the City Council meeting on Jan. 6.

Reed praised the department’s efforts in rapidly responding and helping to find the kids.