June 19--Authorities on Thursday captured missing firefighter Mike Herdman's dog in the mountains about Fillmore, but the German shorthaired pointer quickly escaped again, officials said.
The dog, named Duke, was apparently captured and searchers were getting ready to get him onto a helicopter, when he got away.
The dog had been spotted Wednesday and searchers were tracking him ever since.
Two unmanned aircraft and a specialized search team from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement joined the search for Herdman, an off-duty Arcadia firefighter who went missing while hiking in the Los Padres National Forest near Fillmore over the weekend.
The 11-member Rapid Response Team is trained in all hazards, medical care and trekking difficult terrain, said Ventura County Sheriff's Sgt. Eric Buschow. He added that the team based in Los Angeles offered to help in the extensive search Herdman, 36, who was last seen running after Duke while camping Friday night. He was wearing shorts, a T-shirt and was barefoot.
"They offered their assistance and we sure appreciate it," Buschow said.
In addition, sheriff's officials are using small, unmanned aircraft to help look for Herdman in tight corners. The quadcopter and 13-pound fixed wing plane are controlled by personnel on the ground and can capture photographs in the daylight and at night, Buschow explained.
"They cost less to operate than a helicopter and can get to areas that are less accessible," he said.
The devices were built by Aerovironment in Simi Valley and were approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to be used during the search effort.
Authorities had previously found Herdman's backpack and footprints where he and his friend had been camping.
An Orange County Sheriff's search and rescue team was not assisting in the search Thursday because they had to respond to a rescue of their own.
Local sheriff's authorities responded to two separate hiker-related calls Wednesday, Buschow said, one above Ojai and one in Santa Paula Canyon.
About 50 people continue to actively search for Herdman, and authorities are taking it day by day.
"We are planning from one operational period to another," Buschow said, adding that no longer-term plan has been established.
"This could all come to an end in 5 minutes."
A Ventura County Sheriff's Office search and rescue team member was bitten by a rattlesnake Thursday and flown to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oak another searcher suffered a leg injury Wednesday.
"This is treacherous country," Buschow said. "It's rough terrain."
Herdman and his friend Taylor Byars -- also a firefighter with the Arcadia Fire Department -- started their four-day hike last Wednesday at Dough Flats and stopped to camp at night.
After Herdman disappeared Byars eventually left the area hoping Herdman would be waiting for him at the end of the trail. But Byars instead found Herdman's empty car parked near the trailhead and alerted the authorities about 9 p.m. Sunday.
Buschow said Byars ran into two fishermen in the creek, who helped him hike out of the trail. The two fishermen, who were later found and interviewed, said Byars was dehydrated and confused and might have been lost without their help.
Authorities do not suspect foul play in Herdman's disappearance.
A Ventura County Sheriff's helicopter has been flying search teams into the remote hiking area since he was reported missing. Teams of rescuers were dropped off in the search areas by the helicopter every few minutes Wednesday. Several volunteers, including Herdman's fellow firefighters and friends have also helped search for the missing hiker. Some have even camped overnight and searched in other remote areas.
Authorities from a helicopter spotted a marijuana cultivation site northwest of where Herdman was last seen, Buschow said. Authorities did not know the size of the operation or how far it is from the campsite.
There is no evidence that Herdman was at the site of the illegal operation, Buschow said.
Buschow said Herdman had previous experience backpacking in back country and is an outdoor enthusiast. Herdman, of Dana Point, has been with the Arcadia Fire Department for 7 1/2 years and has been a paramedic for about six years. The friends were prepared for a multiday trip, but Herdman was not fully equipped when he was last seen.
Herdman has a 6-year-old daughter and was expected home on Father's Day.
Copyright 2014 - Ventura County Star, Calif.
