On the anniversary of Derek Adams’ disappearance, his family wishes to express profound gratitude to the Maine Warden Service, Maine State Police, canine units and Oxford County Sheriff’s Department for a very difficult job well done. Outcome aside, we have been very impressed by their professional expertise and skills.

Thanks also to trained search and rescue teams, Mahoosuc of Bethel, Franklin County group and teams from as far away as Aroostook County and Mount Desert Island. All were wonderfully caring and focused. Fortunately, Maine has a chaplain for the Maine Warden Service, missing persons and families; Kate Braestrup is deeply caring and has been a Godsend.

Heartfelt thanks also to the many family, friends and individuals (including strangers) offering help, giving so unselfishly of themselves and time in any way possible during difficult searches in treacherous winter months and through spring, summer and fall.

Thanks to hunters’ discovery of some remains Oct. 10, a degree of closure has been possible.

Appreciatively, Byron opened buildings; people provided searchers food and warmth. Genuine, caring support was, and is, amazing and comforting, strengthening faith in fellow man. It is truly amazing how towns can quickly and efficiently pull together.

Phil Blampied’s thoughtful, professional videos documenting search efforts from January through the remembrance service Oct. 14, plus interviews with Lt. Kevin Adam, Maine Warden Service lead, kept awareness of Derek’s missing status ongoing through “Today River Valley.” Many thanks.

May God bless you all.

Dottie and Herb Adams, Hanover

Erin and Daryl Gurney, Raymond

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