Calgary police relocate command post as search for missing boy continues

Calgary police have moved their command post to Nose Hill Park, a large urban park about a kilometer west of the previous location at Thorncliffe School, as the search for a missing 11-year-old boy intensifies. The boy, known as Parker, is neurodivergent with non-verbal autism and was last seen on July 16.

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If the decision’s made to search, you assume the person is waiting to be found and needs to be found. So you stay on that premise until there’s evidence to suggest otherwise.

The relocation aims to provide better access to facilities and resources for the search teams. Parker was last seen at his dayhome and later captured on video heading north. Despite the ongoing search for over a week, police were granted special permission to issue an Amber Alert, even without evidence of abduction.

The operation involves a massive mobilization of resources, including over 500 police officers, hundreds of trained search and rescue crews, volunteers, specialized units like the mounted and canine units, drones, and the police helicopter. The Calgary Fire Department's aquatic and confined spaces rescue teams are also participating.

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It’s still important for everyone to keep your hopes up and keep your eyes open.

Search and Rescue Alberta president Brian Carrier expressed the team's unwavering commitment, stating, "If the decision’s made to search, you assume the person is waiting to be found and needs to be found." This sentiment was echoed by Calgary Fire Department assistant deputy chief James Docherty, who urged the public to keep their hopes up and eyes open, emphasizing the continued focus on finding the young boy.

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There’s still a lot of hope, and until we find a conclusion to this event we’re going to keep our crews focused and aware that, you know, there’s a young boy out there who needs our help and in time I hope we have a very positive outcome.