To the Editor:

I would like to send a sincere note of thanks along with much gratitude to all those who helped to aide in the search and rescue of my 16 year old son, Jacob.

Jacob was in a state of stress and anxiety brought on by the fact that he didn’t want to leave his familiar school district, Colton-Pierrepont, for a new and strange environment at another school after we were told his home district could not and would not accommodate him.

This was more than he could deal with and on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Jacob turned up missing from his home. The state troopers along with the sheriff’s deputies and the D.E.C. were all at the scene, working diligently, as did many friends and family members.

The darkness came quickly as did the cold and the rain.  None of this seemed to slow the search.  Jacob was finally found deep in the woods by a neighbor and friend, Tracy Clark, and Devon Thomas of the Sheriff’s department. They were then escorted to safety by my brother, Kip Robar. 

I can’t express enough the overwhelming gratitude I have for the workers of that night. I would like to extend to all the parties involved, including the Colton fire district, the D.E.C. and my family, especially my oldest son Phillip, who searched the whole evening nonstop, along with my brother Kip.

I’d also like to thank my support people, namely Pastor Tom Chappel of the Colton Wesleyan Church; my mom, Dorothy; my sister Jill; my two daughters Krystal and Selena; and my neighbors and friends that are too many to mention for their prayers and support that came at a much needed time and gave me the strength I needed. 

I’d also like to thank our wonderful emergency 911 system, knowing that when every second counts they were a key factor in the rescue of my son. Lastly, but certainly not the least, praise the lord, for His guidance and His light gave direction in the night.

God bless you all! Thank you!

Sandra L.Robar,

South Colton