“You’ll never find them. I’ve already talked to ranchers about what to look for, in their areas that were flooded, long term,” said one deputy.
It’s been one week, since search and rescue efforts began in Kerr County, after the devasting 4th of July floods.
Those efforts have since transitioned, into a search and recover mission.
One man, whose job is to find the missing, has come to the Hill Country to help.
Don White is the Brush County Deputy, with the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office, near the Rio Grande Valley, when the searches for the missing began, he decided to bring his experience and skills to Kerr County.
“I search almost everyday in Brooks County, for the missing migrants,” said Deputy White.
For White, search, rescue, and recovery operations are now instilled in his mind and body.
“I was also a recovery diver for 21 years, so there’s about 150 water recoveries, including after the Wimberly flood,” said Deputy White.
White arrived in Kerr County on Saturday, and says the devastation he has witnessed has been incredible, with debris piles 30 feet up in the trees, and rough terrain to search.
“There really is no place to walk on the banks, so your sliding up and down your holding branches to keep out of the water, and sometimes your waking in the water,” said Deputy White.
By his side has been his companion and cadaver dog, Socks. Together they have searched to the point of exhaustion.
“You’re run down—Socks has been at it 5 days she’s tired she doesn’t want to search, all she wants to do is play stick and eat jerky,” said Deputy White.
Through their exhaustion they trek on, hoping to provide closure to families.
“When they find their loved one, it’s a little bit of closure, but it’s only a little bit the immense hurt and grief is still there,” said Deputy White.
White didn’t want to say how many recoveries he and Socks have made, but says there’s been a few, understanding for some their closure may never come.
“Yea, there’ll be people that will never be recovered, you’ll never find them. I’ve already talked to ranchers about what to look for in their areas that were flooded, long term,” said Deputy White.
As a community, Kerr County is now forced to face that reality. White says many including search and rescuers are taking a deep breath, and letting the emotion and hurt out.
“It’s tough work keep your head up, if you need to reach out reach out,” said Deputy White.