Bear Clan Patrol Fort Frances has been called upon to assist in the search for a missing Dryden man.
32-year-old Darren Burnard was reported missing on January 13.
“We were dispatched a couple of days ago by the Chief Clayton Wetelainen and community members of Wabigoon First Nation to assist in the search and rescue,” explains Patrol Leader and Project Coordinator James Eastman. “He is known in the area, and last contact was New Year’s Eve, December 31.”
Burnard is an Indigenous man, described as a 5’9″, 160 pounds, with short black hair and a medium build.
Provincial Police say he was seen in Dryden on January 2.
Darren Burnard. Photo provided by Dryden City Police/OPP
Eastman is also encouraging people to check outside buildings.
“Garages, sheds, boats, campers, fish shacks, garbage bins, please check areas like that. It only takes a few minutes, and we greatly appreciate it. That will help with all of our search efforts between Provincial Police, Emergency Response, as well as our team.”
“Tyson Gardner is assisting us with drones, mapping and GPS as well,” adds Eastman. “People that are wanting to come and help with the search efforts, by all means, give us a call.”
Eastman notes Bear Clan members will be walking around in residential areas, wearing high-vis clothing.
Anyone with information about Darren Burnard’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Bear Clan at 807-276-2332, Dryden Police, OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
