Rush County, In. — Multiple agencies, aviation assets and technology were used Sunday to find a missing Rush County man.
A report from the Indiana State Police says George Henson, 83, had last been seen at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at his home on S County Road 500W. Police found Henson’s cell phone and vehicle at the home.
Thinking that Henson was in a nearby wooded area, volunteers from area fire departments, Rush County Sheriff’s deputies, Indiana State Police and officials from Rush County Emergency Management began searching around the home. Soon, Henson was located by an Indiana State Police helicopter pilot.
Henson had an injured shoulder, but was conscious and talking to rescue workers.
David Ruegsegger, of the Indiana State Police Aviation Section, advised they were able to locate Mr. Henson so quickly by using the FLIR, or “Forward Looking Infrared Radiometer” device. According to Ruegsegger, “The FLIR detects heat on the ground, and is able to show anything that is warmer than its surroundings, including animals and humans.” Indiana State Police Sergeant Dave Poynter, who assisted in the search for Mr. Henson said “With the cold temperatures we had last night, usage of the ISP copter and FLIR quite possibly helped save Mr. Henson’s life.”
The investigation revealed Henson had fallen out of a tree stand and was unable to walk out of the woods for help. Henson was flown to an Indianapolis hospital for treatment of broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder.
