Mounties thank volunteers who helped look for missing three-year-old B.C. boy
THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER -- The RCMP has thanked volunteers from B.C. and Alberta who helped look for a three-year-old boy who was taken from his home in September.
Kienan Hebert disappeared from his Sparwood, B.C. home sometime during the morning of Sept. 7, sparking a search that police say drew more than 500 volunteers.
During a special ceremony Thursday, RCMP chief Supt. Mike Sekela presented letters of appreciation to 28 search-and-rescue and related organizations, which he says played a key part in Kienan's safe return.
He says just minutes after Hebert was reported missing, the organizations were helping police look for the boy.
Kienan's father Paul Hebert also attended the event with his family and personally thanked the volunteers.
Kienan was returned to his home unharmed several days after he disappeared.
Police arrested and charged a man with abduction in connection with the boy's disappearance.
Forty-six-year-old Randall Hopley underwent a psychiatric assessment and was found fit to stand trial.
He is due to appear in court Dec. 19 for a bail hearing.
