Search to resume today

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Wayne Seda, the Vandenberg Fire Department assistant chief, briefs volunteers at a Santa Barbara County fire department before resuming the search for Sean Fleming, a 30th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, who was reported missing June 21. Volunteers from Vandenberg, the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department, local communities and agencies will search the area Mr. Fleming was last seen at Gaviota State Beach on June 19. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jeremy Eggers)

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Search for firefighter fueled by hope for closure

Published June 25, 2010
By Staff
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Volunteers gathered at Gaviota State Beach at 9 a.m. June 25 continuing the search for a Vandenberg AFB firefighter reported missing June 21.

Sean Fleming was last seen kayaking off the Santa Barbara County coast June 19. So far search teams have found Fleming's kayak and backpack.

Changing their tactics for today, a large number of searchers will be posted at look-out points with field glasses. Small watercraft will be dispatched to investigate any leads generated from the look-outs. Ground searchers will continue to comb the beaches around Gaviota State Beach.

"It's a search for closure, and we hope this change of tactics will help us to that end," said Wayne Seda, Vandenberg Fire Department assistant chief and incident commander.

I'd like to thank the large number of volunteers and donations we've received today," said Seda. "The continued support after a long week of searching has helped us more than we could ever express and we thank each and every person for their help."

More information will be released as it becomes available.

Search to resume today