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Officials plead for public’s help in search for missing Fairfax County firefighter Officials plead for public’s help in search for missing Fairfax County firefighter
(35 minutes later)
Authorities pleaded Tuesday for the public’s help in finding a missing Fairfax County firefighter as search and rescue efforts continued in the Shenandoah National Forest. Authorities pleaded Tuesday for the public’s help in finding a missing Fairfax County firefighter as search-and-rescue efforts continued in Shenandoah National Park.
Nicole K. Mittendorff, 31, who lives in Woodbridge, was reported missing Friday after she didn’t show up for work. She is described by family members as an avid runner and tri-athlete, and they have said they believe she may have been in the park to use a running trail. Nicole K. Mittendorff, 31, of Woodbridge was reported missing Friday when she didn’t show up for work. She is described by family members as an avid runner and triathlete, and they have said they think she may have been in the park to use a running trail.
At a press conference on Tuesday her husband, Steven Mittendorff, said in a tearful plea that he had a message for his missing wife. At a news conference Tuesday, her husband, Steven Mittendorff, said in a tearful plea that he had a message for his missing wife.
[Search widens for missing Fairfax County firefighter in Shenandoah National Park][Search widens for missing Fairfax County firefighter in Shenandoah National Park]
“Sweetheart, I love you,” he said. “I am praying for you. I’m not sure where you are, but know that we are all looking for you and I look forward to your safe return.”“Sweetheart, I love you,” he said. “I am praying for you. I’m not sure where you are, but know that we are all looking for you and I look forward to your safe return.”
He described the uncertainty as being “unbearable” not knowing “where a loved one is.” Officials asked for any leads from the public in Nicole Mittendorff’s disappearance. He described the uncertainty, not knowing “where a loved one is,” as being “unbearable.” Officials asked for any leads from the public in Mittendorff’s disappearance.
Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard R. Bowers Jr. said at the press conference, “We are putting out a 911 call to the general public and media to help find” Mittendorff. Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard R. Bowers Jr. said at the news conference, “We are putting out a 911 call to the general public and media to help find” Mittendorff.
A prayer vigil for Mittendorff is planned for Wednesday evening at Fairfax Station 32 on Burke Centre Parkway, where she worked. Mittendorff, who was also a paramedic, is described as being a happy person who always wanted to help people, fire officials said. She had been with the fire department for three years. A prayer vigil for Mittendorff is planned for Wednesday evening at Fairview Station 32, on Burke Centre Parkway, where she works. Mittendorff, who is also a paramedic, is described as being a happy person who always wants to help people, fire officials said. She has been with the fire department for three years.
On Tuesday, as the fire chief spoke, dozens of firefighters stood nearby in the garage of the fire station and looked on somberly. Some wiped away tears from their eyes.On Tuesday, as the fire chief spoke, dozens of firefighters stood nearby in the garage of the fire station and looked on somberly. Some wiped away tears from their eyes.
The search for Mittendorff began when she didn’t show up for a morning shift at her job April 15, according to a Facebook post from her father, Robert Clardy. That was not like her, and it raised concerns. The search for Mittendorff began when she didn’t show up for a morning shift at her job Friday, according to a Facebook post from her father, Robert Clardy. That was not like her, and it raised concerns.
Her family has set up a Web page, Find-Nicole.com. Her family has set up a website, Find-Nicole.com.
Mittendorff last had contact with her father in a text message about 10:50 a.m. April 13. Her last known location was in Warrenton, Va. Mittendorff last had contact with her father in a text message about 10:50 a.m. Wednesday. Her last known location was in Warrenton, Va.
[Vehicle found at Shenandoah National Park, search for missing woman continues][Vehicle found at Shenandoah National Park, search for missing woman continues]
Over the weekend, a U.S. Park Ranger found Mittendorff’s cream-colored 2009 Mini Cooper parked near the popular hiking spot of Old Rag mountain. Officials would not give any indication about what, if anything, was found inside the car. Park officials closed some trails in that area to search. Over the weekend, a park ranger found Mittendorff’s cream-colored 2009 Mini Cooper parked near the popular hiking spot of Old Rag Mountain. Officials would not give any indication about what, if anything, was found inside the car. Park officials closed some trails in that area to search.
On Monday, officials had said that there is “still no evidence to indicate anything suspicious” about Mittendorff’s disappearance, according to a statement. Crews stopped looking at sundown Monday because of the “steep, challenging terrain” in part of the forest, and search efforts were resuming Tuesday. On Monday, officials said there is “still no evidence to indicate anything suspicious” about Mittendorff’s disappearance, according to a statement. Crews stopped looking at sundown Monday, because of the “steep, challenging terrain” in part of the forest, and search efforts resumed Tuesday.
The search effort has focused around the White Oak Canyon trail in Madison County. The Virginia State Police and U.S. Park Police have been using officers trained in search and rescue, dogs and aircraft in their efforts. The search effort has focused around the White Oak Canyon Trail in Madison County. The Virginia State Police and U.S. Park Police are using officers trained in search-and-rescue tasks, dogs and aircraft.
Some members of the Fairfax County fire department who are part of a K-9 search and rescue team have also gone to the national park to help in the search. An Appalachian trail hiking group is also helping. Some members of the fire department who are part of a K-9 search-and-rescue team have also gone to the national park to help in the search. An Appalachian Trail hiking group is also helping.
On Tuesday at the news conference, colleagues and family described Mittendorff as a “high performer” in her time at the fire department. Bowers said she was “dedicated, respected and well liked among her peers and colleagues.”On Tuesday at the news conference, colleagues and family described Mittendorff as a “high performer” in her time at the fire department. Bowers said she was “dedicated, respected and well liked among her peers and colleagues.”
Mittendorff’s husband is listed in an online profile as a first sergeant and the area commander for the Arlington Field Office of the Virginia State Police. Mittendorff comes from a family of law enforcement officers and firefighters.Mittendorff’s husband is listed in an online profile as a first sergeant and the area commander for the Arlington Field Office of the Virginia State Police. Mittendorff comes from a family of law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Her sister, Jennifer Clardy Chalmers, said Sunday that the family was “holding up as best as can be expected under difficult circumstances.”Her sister, Jennifer Clardy Chalmers, said Sunday that the family was “holding up as best as can be expected under difficult circumstances.”
“At this time we are focused on finding Nicole and have the deepest appreciation for everyone helping,” Chalmers said. “We hope and pray for a safe resolution in the near future.” “At this time, we are focused on finding Nicole and have the deepest appreciation for everyone helping,” Chalmers said. “We hope and pray for a safe resolution in the near future.”
Mittendorff is described as being white with blond hair and green eyes. She stands about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. Mittendorff is described as being white with blond hair and green eyes. She is about 5-foot-6 and weighs about 125 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call 703-803-0026 or email information to questions@vsp.virginia.gov.Anyone with information is asked to call 703-803-0026 or email information to questions@vsp.virginia.gov.