Lost Child Efforts

October 02, 2023
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is crediting a community-wide effort for the happy resolution of a lost 2-year-old over the weekend.

On Saturday at approximately 5:30 p.m., parents reported their 2-year-old daughter Piper had wandered away from their home on Jenness Avenue in the town of Blooming Grove. A search coordinated by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office (Patrol, K9 Team, Drone Team, and Detectives) began immediately, and ended at 8:10 p.m. when Piper was found in a nearby quarry. She had taken a tumble, and had some minor injuries, but was happily reunited with her parents.

“The outpouring of people and agencies who reached out to help find Piper was amazing,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “It made me proud to be part of such a caring and compassionate community.”

The Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and thank everyone who provided assistance with the search. Ultimately Piper was found after a Madison Police K9 tracked her scent to the quarry; then with the use of a drone operated by a McFarland Police Officer, her image was caught on camera and a Dane County Deputy was able to make his way on foot to her location. A true team effort! Thanks go out to:

 

  • Dane County Emergency Management

  • Dane County Communications Center

  • McFarland Police Department

  • Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation

  • Madison Fire Department

  • Madison Police Department

  • Oregon Police Department

  • Deforest Police Department

  • Waunakee Police Department

  • Wingra Stone

  • Many community volunteers