PBPD Chief thanks everyone

To the citizens and news media:

In all my years of law enforcement I will have to say the event on 10-23-2012 will be forever etched in my memory. As Chief of Police and personally, one of the most feared calls, is the one that says, We have a child who has been abducted!

I firmly believe God had his hand on all of us, from the little girl, to all the investigators, and witnesses, and, she was returned as safely as possible for the circumstances.

I'd just like to personally and professionally thank the Missouri State Highway Patrol, FBI, US Marshals, Butler County Sheriff's Department and Poplar Bluff Fire Department.

There were many agencies that called and offered manpower or any assistance of any kind should we have needed it.

The help that the local, regional, and national media gave us, in conjunction with the Amber Alert, enabled us to get the suspect's description and information out. It cannot be overstated as to how effective this was. The only thing I can say is Abigail is safe and reunited with her mother. That success speaks for itself.

Last but not least, I want to thank the many local citizens and businesses, which offered the assistance of manpower. I'm also grateful for the food and drinks, which were brought to us for the large contingency of local, state, and federal officers we had working here at the Police Department.

As with the recent floods, ice storms, tornadoes, etc. we have had, the citizens in Poplar Bluff and Butler County always come together when it is necessary.

Thank you, God Bless you and God Bless America,

Danny Whiteley

Chief of Police