United States - August 30, 2024

The search for Caleb Bolin, a 40-year-old veteran missing since August 6, has entered its second week with an expanded effort involving multiple fire departments, specialized search and rescue (SAR) teams, and advanced technology. Despite the challenging conditions, the resolve of the Itasca County SAR team and volunteers remains unbroken.

On the sixth day of the search, an impressive turnout of around thirty firefighters from various departments across Itasca County joined the SAR operations. Their mission focused on a northwest area from where Bolin's truck was last located. The search efforts were complicated by high humidity, but regular hydration breaks kept the team going.

The inclusion of two SAR dog teams marked a significant boost to the operation. One team specialized in water searches, while the other focused on human remains detection, showcasing the grim reality of the search's potential outcomes. The Cass County Sherp team also contributed, utilizing their unique vehicle to navigate through swamps and along shorelines, areas previously inaccessible.

Sheriff Dasovich and Undersheriff Chris Peterson were actively involved, overseeing operations around these difficult terrains. Days 7 and 8 allowed for a brief pause for the SAR members, giving them time to recover and attend to personal commitments, while water-based deputies continued the search.

By Day 9, the team tackled a floating bog and explored high ground areas, employing modern scanning technology in nearby lakes to ensure thorough coverage. The involvement of Mid-Minnesota K9 with HRD search dog Oliver added another layer of expertise to clear areas around pine bogs and lake shores.

As of Day 10, while the SAR team took a much-needed rest, the search by deputies on both water and land persisted. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any information that might lead to Bolin's whereabouts, although direct public participation in the search has been put on hold.

The Itasca County SAR team has also taken this opportunity to invite applications for new members, indicating the ongoing need for community involvement in such critical operations. For those interested in supporting, donations are being accepted through the team's Venmo account.