Local crews search river in response to missing person report

Members of the Rhinelander Fire Department responded to the Davenport Street Bridge last Friday night after it was reported that a person was possibly in the river.

According to Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour, the report was received at approximately 6:28 p.m. May 10.

Rhinelander crews responded immediately and upon arriving on-scene were met by members of the Rhinelander Police Department who were conducting an investigation into a possible missing person.

A joint operation was immediately initiated with numerous surrounding agencies, Tonnancour noted in a press release outlining the rescue operation.

“An intensive search was conducted from the Mill Dam to south of Highway 47, the banks of the Wisconsin River, and numerous local establishments,” the release said.

During the search crews were informed the person had been found safe at another location.

“The Rhinelander Fire Department would like to thank the Rhinelander Police Department, Newbold and Pine Lake Fire Departments, Oneida County Dispatch, Oneida County Dive Team, Oneida County Sheriff's Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department for their quick response to the scene and assistance in the effort to locate the individual,” the release states. “We would also like to thank Ahlstrom-Munksjo for their cooperation of slowing the water from the dam to offer crews better conditions to search the water.”

 All crews returned safely.