THP: Use of agency helicopter, infrared technology crucial in finding missing two year old in Sullivan County

New details have been released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol in the search and rescue efforts for missing two year old June Simpson in Sullivan County last month.

A statewide Amber Alert was issued in the early hours of Oct. 20 by the TBI as grounds team searched the immediate area where the child went missing for several hours but were unable to locate Simpson, prompting a request for THP to launch a helicopter to assist in the search.

Officials searched for around 30 minutes before locating Simpson curled up in tall grass using the agency’s infrared technology. Simpson’s family sent a letter to THP which was shared, as they stated without the use of the agency’s helicopter, their child would not have been located as quickly.

Photo Courtesy: Tennessee Highway Patrol