Florida Police Say Missing Firefighter May Still Be Alive

Aug. 22, 2006
Her green pickup truck and firefighting gear were found floating in a pond on Friday.

Work crews in Brevard County spent a fourth day intensely searching for a missing firefighter, and police are investigating the possibility that she faked her own death.

Divers and volunteers are still searching for Brandy Lynn Hall, 32, WESH 2 News reported.

The volunteer firefighter hasn't been seen since Thursday. Her green pickup truck and firefighting gear were found floating in a pond on Friday. That 30-foot-deep pond was drained on Monday.

Her belongings were found on the same day that her husband, Jeff, a former Osceola County fire chief, pleaded guilty to leading a marijuana-growing ring in Osceola County.

Officials have used helicopters, all-terrain vehicles and kayaks to search the nearby woods and bodies of water. Investigators said they have found some evidence in Brandy Hall's truck, but they won't say what they found. The evidence is leading them in other directions, including the possibility that she's still alive.

"There is no evidence that we've gathered thus far that proves any harm or any foul play is involved with Brandy," an official said.

Investigators have all but ruled out the possibility that Hall's body is in the lake, although they said it is possible that an alligator or another animal dragged it away.

"If a dead body was in that pond, we would know," said Jess Suelter of the Palm Bay Police Department.

Police said they are looking into the possibility that Hall faked her own disappearance or faked possible evidence of suicide and then left the area.

"Her husband was concerned for her safety and the safety of their children," Suelter said.

Julie Harrison has known Brandy Hall for 16 years, and she said she has no idea where the mother of two could be.

"We're just asking, praying, begging and pleading that she come back home alive and safe and sound. Please don't hurt her. She's loved by very, very many. And she's got her two kids that she worships very much," Harrison said.

Jeff Hall was sentenced to 18 months in jail for running an elaborate marijuana operation on property he owned in Holopaw. Charges against his wife were dropped.

"Whether or not they're related to her disappearance is still unknown, but it is not outside the realm of possibility that it could be connected," said Yvonne Martinez, of the Palm Bay Police Department.

Palm Bay police said Brandy Lynn Hall spoke with someone by phone at about 10 p.m. on Thursday, but she hasn't been heard from since.

"I don't think we have any idea as to what's happened. It's all still so surreal. It's just unbelievable. I can't imagine anyone who would want to hurt her or harm her," Harrison said.

"Best-case scenario is Brandy calls us and says, 'I'm alive and OK,'" Suelter said.

Treeland Boulevard between San Filippo Drive and Community College Parkway will be closed up to one week as investigators continue looking for clues.

Businesses on Treeland can still get in, but employees have to gain access from Community College Parkway.

Search and rescue teams from Miami-Dade County arrived on Monday to help with the search.

Police are asking anyone with information about Hall's whereabouts to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

To comment on this story, send an e-mail to Dan Billow .

Copyright 2006 by WESH.COM. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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