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Search for Barrie woman highlights value of Vulnerable Person Registry

Current photo, instant info matter when minutes count

BARRIE - Carolyn Pringle had never wandered off before.

The frail 61-year-old went missing Wednesday afternoon from her Peel St. home and no one knew where she was until Thursday afternoon.

Her brother Andy says she requires medication for epilepsy and he was afraid she had become disoriented.

It was an emotional moment when police told him Carolyn had been found and was safe. 

"I'm relieved. You hear horror stories of people going missing and never being found," said Pringle, exhausted and teary-eyed.

Barrie Police launched an intense search for Carolyn involving more than 30 officers, the K-9 unit, the UAV or drone, officers on the ground and the OPP helicopter in the air.

They worked throughout the night and into Thursday scouring the area of Peel, Grove and Bayfield Streets.

And they used another invaluable tool in missing persons cases - social media - which ultimately led to Carolyn being located.

But the only photo of Carolyn the family had readily available was from the 1970's - more than 40 years old.   

"One of the biggest challenges we had was obtaining an up to date picture of her," said Barrie Police Const. Nicole Rodgers.

"A visual is very important when we're looking for missing people. We can give clothing descriptors and descriptions of the person but someone being able to recognize somebody's face is very helpful."  

Which is why police took the opportunity to raise awareness about the Vulnerable Person Registry (VPR) | Barrie Police Service.

It's a database where police keep a current photo and vital information about vulnerable persons that will be used by police and other emergency services during a crisis situation.

And officers say it's best for loved ones or caregivers to provide the information before a crisis occurs. 

"We encourage anyone who may have someone who is very vulnerable to wandering or being confused or even is on medication and if they don't have that medication may have those symptoms," Rodgers said. 

"It's important to plan ahead. It's very hard when you're sitting down worrying about that person. That moment as the sun's going down to think about all the details and all their habits of where they normally go. It's better to do that when you're in control of the situation and we can have an up to date picture and all the places that they visit and be able to attack the search a little bit more aggressively right from the beginning."

Carolyn was located at a residence on Grove St. Thursday afternoon after police received a tip from someone who saw a post on social media 

"We don't have details on the circumstances that led her to that and that's just part of us speaking to all parties involved to make sure everything is ok," said Rodgers.

After spending a sleepless night worrying about his older sister, scrambling to find a recent photo and trying to recall her habits, Andy Pringle plans to register Carolyn with the Vulnerable Person Registry because he fears she could wander again.

Police are pleased with this happy ending but say it serves as an important reminder for caregivers and family members to be proactive.

"We really want to encourage anyone to contact us so we're that one step ahead if that ever does happen to them," said Rodgers.

"Time is of the essence when it comes to these sort of things."


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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