Arcadia Firefighter’s Mike Herdman’s Dog Rescued; Still no sign of the popular firefighter

By Terry Miller

Family members, friends and colleagues gathered in prayer at the vigil Sunday night for an Arcadia firefighter who has been missing in the Los Padres National Forest since Friday June 13. His dog Duke was rescued over the weekend.
The firefighter’s family vigil at station 106 Sunday it was intended to be private, for members of the Arcadia Fire Department and their immediate family members to be unified in thought, prayer, and support for Mike Herdman, who has been missing for over 10 days. Several news agencies became aware of (the vigil) through social media, and apparently broadcast it as a public event.
Approximately 120 people were at the station Sunday evening.

Earlier in the day at Del Flats, the family dog Duke was located in “Okay shape; dehydrated and thinner, but appeared not injured,” according to spokesperson Beth Stogner. Hikers initially found him and alerted authorities and that’s when Bridget Herdman, Mike Hardman’s wife, was escorted to the site where the dog had been seen. Duke, recognizing Bridget immediately, ran to her waiting arms.
Mike Herdman’s sisters and cousins attended the vigil at the Arcadia Fire Department Station 106, one of the stations where Herdman worked, and thanked searchers for their efforts. Members of Arcadia Police Dept. also showed their solidarity for the missing firefighter.
By Monday air support search crews were halted but foot search and rescue still is very much alive, according the Arcadia Fire Dept. A team of six Arcadia Firefighters started their search for their fellow firefighter Monday, by approaching the campsite from the opposite side of the mountain.
Search and rescue teams have combed through over 50 square miles of the forest near Fillmore looking for Herdman, who went missing during a camping trip in the forest.
Taylor Bryars, a friend and fellow firefighter who was camping with Herdman when he went missing, was also at the vigil. Beth Stogner of Arcadia Fire said those who attended the vigil wore green ribbons as Herdman was wearing green shorts when he disappeared.

Herdman, an avid outdoorsman, was barefoot and wearing only a t-shirt and shorts when he was last seen. He was reported missing Sunday night June 15 when Bryars emerged from the forest and contacted authorities.
Eighty-six search and rescue volunteers continued looking for Herdman on Saturday. Two manned flight crews and two drones were also used to search the rugged terrain near Fillmore.
“The outpouring of support from communities near and far has been incredible, we are so, so grateful. While we are devastated about Mike Herman missing in the forest, we are deeply grateful firefighter Taylor Bryars returned unharmed and (we’re) blessed to have him back,” Stogner said.

Watch this video of some of the search efforts underway:

More from Arcadia Weekly