Missing Rocklin Hiker's Family Keeps Faith He'll Be Found
NEAR DONNER SUMMIT (CBS13) – Day 2 of the search for Cody Michael and his dog saw more manpower on the ground and in the air. On Wednesday, the California National Guard joined the search with two Black Hawk helicopters up in the air.
"It provides me a lot of comfort knowing that my son's got this level of professionalism and capability looking for him," said Howard Michael, Cody's father.
Nearly two days after Cody's family made the call to authorities, search and rescue teams still haven't found any trace of the 23-year-old hiker. Wednesday's search covered an area of 6 miles by 2.5 miles on and around the Loch Levin Trail. There were 25 ground searchers, three K-9s, seven motorcycle teams and four jeep teams.
"I, at some point, expect him to walk out and we'll get a phone call or we'll see him here," Howard said. "I suppose that he and his dog are out there operating on his own self rescue."
Placer County and El Dorado County Sheriff's offices are expanding their search from Day 1 with 25 ground searchers, three K9s, seven motorcycle teams and now the National Guard.
Both helicopters performed aerial searches but the first was focused on transporting teams up and down the mountain. The second, brought in just after noon, was focused on dropping down lines capable of hoisting someone up, just in case the search teams needed to make a rescue. Howard took a trip up in a helicopter today to take a look for himself.
"We got a good bird's eye view of the whole area that they're trying to execute a game plan for," he said.
The Michael family has put their trust in the search team and their faith in God and hope they find Cody as soon as they can.
"Strength doesn't come from me," Howard said. "It comes from above, and that's where my son is getting his strength right now."
The ground search will stop when darkness sets in but a third black hawk helicopter will join the search tonight, using night vision and heat sensing technology. The full search will resume on Thursday morning.
