On Wednesday, November 21, 2012, Bluffton police officers were called to Riley Creek Court subdivision with regard to a missing elderly man.  The 6:46 a.m. call to police triggered a response that included an Allen County Sheriff’s Office canine, and three Bluffton police officers.  The 87 year old man was last seen by his wife before midnight (November 20, 2012).

Responding officers were aware of a missing pick-up truck from the neighborhood, and suspected the man, who suffered from several medical conditions, may have taken the truck.  The canine tracked the man’s scent to where the truck was parked.

A NIXLE alert message that provided the vehicle description was broadcast to subscribers at 7:20 a.m.  A short time later police received a phone call from a passerby reporting a truck matching the description just north of town on Bentley Road. 

Eight minutes after the NIXLE alert was posted, the man was located and medical care began to be rendered.  The man was transported to Bluffton Hospital and later transferred to Lima Memorial Hospital.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the quick notification to the public, combined with the keen sense of alertness by a member of the public, resulted in an expedited discovery and rescue of this man.  The cold weather conditions most likely would have proven tragic in this case had we not been able to enlist the eyes of the public in this incident,” said Chief Rick Skilliter.    As of today, the man is recuperating at Lima Memorial Hospital. 

NIXLE is a free service that allows public safety officials to broadcast text and e-mail messages to subscribers of the free service.  There are no advertisements or gimmicks.  The systems is used to broadcast traffic advisories, road closings, weather related issues, and immediate public safety concerns. 

Chief Skilliter noted that during the June windstorm, most people were without computer service.  The NIXLE alert system sends both a text message and an e-mail, ensuring most people will receive one or both messages regardless of having power at home.

There are 504 subscribers in the Bluffton area.  Police officials highly encourage citizens to sign up for the free service.  Please visit www.nixle.com to subscribe for the fee service.  If you have any questions, please contact Chief Skilliter at 419-358-2961 x 109.