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Here is today's article from the Grand Junction Sentinal. -leggy
Friends unite for a cause
Volunteers plan search for missing GJ woman
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friends of Paige Birgfeld said they’ve had dreams about the Grand Junction mother of three asking them to search for her. Some even feel they’ve had strong verbal messages about her whereabouts and distinct details into the case that has baffled authorities since the 34-year-old was reported missing June 30.
“I think everybody feels she’s findable,” said Barbra Campbell, a friend of Birgfeld who joins the official search today. “We feel very strongly that she’s alive. What if we could walk up upon her? That would be the best thing.”
About 50 residents and dozens more law enforcement and volunteer search teams start a massive search and recovery operation for Birgfeld today. Law enforcement has provided areas to be searched, and officials from the Abby and Jennifer Recovery Foundation are tasked with coordinating citizen searchers. Specific details on areas to be searched today are being withheld as law enforcement tries to avoid tainting a possible crime scene.
However, residents can sign up all day today at headquarters at Grand Junction High School to assist in the search. Teams of between four and a dozen people will be sent out to cover specific areas for up to three hours until dark, said Renee Perry, deputy director of the Foundation. Searchers will come back to the base for a debriefing, before heading out again, if they choose. A team leader will communicate with headquarters. Law enforcement, either in uniform or undercover, will be nearby, Perry said.
A first shift starts at 7 a.m. Searchers must be 18 and provide state identification to be processed for background checks. Searchers are advised to wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen and bug spray and bring plenty of water.
Barbra Campbell’s husband, Hans, was called into search as a part of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department mounted posse. Hans said he’ll be searching in rugged terrain and, in line with most searches, will bring provisions for three days for himself and his horse. Hans said he’d learn his exact area at briefing early this morning.
“I know that we’re trying to cover a lot of ground in a short time tomorrow,” he said.
John Lancaster from Grand Junction said he decided to join the search because of “a deep emotional need to help.”
“Whatever the search may produce will have positive benefits,” he said.
A family friend traveled from Colorado Springs to join the effort, said Frank Birgfeld, Paige’s father. Another friend of Paige’s in her 20s traveled from Denver to join in today’s search.
“The heat...” Frank Birgfeld said. “To me, this is asking a lot of people.”
Foundation members are asking for donations of bottled water and the use of two golf carts.
Birgfeld was last seen June 28. Her car was discovered in flames on July 1 about two miles from her home in north Grand Junction. She is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs 110 pounds and has sandy hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue strapless top with flowers and blue denim shorts.
Amy Hamilton can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
Friends unite for a cause
Volunteers plan search for missing GJ woman
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friends of Paige Birgfeld said they’ve had dreams about the Grand Junction mother of three asking them to search for her. Some even feel they’ve had strong verbal messages about her whereabouts and distinct details into the case that has baffled authorities since the 34-year-old was reported missing June 30.
“I think everybody feels she’s findable,” said Barbra Campbell, a friend of Birgfeld who joins the official search today. “We feel very strongly that she’s alive. What if we could walk up upon her? That would be the best thing.”
About 50 residents and dozens more law enforcement and volunteer search teams start a massive search and recovery operation for Birgfeld today. Law enforcement has provided areas to be searched, and officials from the Abby and Jennifer Recovery Foundation are tasked with coordinating citizen searchers. Specific details on areas to be searched today are being withheld as law enforcement tries to avoid tainting a possible crime scene.
However, residents can sign up all day today at headquarters at Grand Junction High School to assist in the search. Teams of between four and a dozen people will be sent out to cover specific areas for up to three hours until dark, said Renee Perry, deputy director of the Foundation. Searchers will come back to the base for a debriefing, before heading out again, if they choose. A team leader will communicate with headquarters. Law enforcement, either in uniform or undercover, will be nearby, Perry said.
A first shift starts at 7 a.m. Searchers must be 18 and provide state identification to be processed for background checks. Searchers are advised to wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen and bug spray and bring plenty of water.
Barbra Campbell’s husband, Hans, was called into search as a part of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department mounted posse. Hans said he’ll be searching in rugged terrain and, in line with most searches, will bring provisions for three days for himself and his horse. Hans said he’d learn his exact area at briefing early this morning.
“I know that we’re trying to cover a lot of ground in a short time tomorrow,” he said.
John Lancaster from Grand Junction said he decided to join the search because of “a deep emotional need to help.”
“Whatever the search may produce will have positive benefits,” he said.
A family friend traveled from Colorado Springs to join the effort, said Frank Birgfeld, Paige’s father. Another friend of Paige’s in her 20s traveled from Denver to join in today’s search.
“The heat...” Frank Birgfeld said. “To me, this is asking a lot of people.”
Foundation members are asking for donations of bottled water and the use of two golf carts.
Birgfeld was last seen June 28. Her car was discovered in flames on July 1 about two miles from her home in north Grand Junction. She is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs 110 pounds and has sandy hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue strapless top with flowers and blue denim shorts.
Amy Hamilton can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].
