When a Silver Alert failed to locate Harold Simmons, one heroic moment changed everything.

🕵️‍♂️ Disappearance Sparks Urgent Silver Alert

On June 18, 2025, the West Virginia State Police issued a Silver Alert for Harold Wayne Simmons, an 80-year-old man last seen near his Elkins neighborhood. Despite being described as 5’8″, 155 lbs, with gray hair, he vanished into heavily wooded terrain — a situation that typically triggers an all-out response in rural areas.

🌲 The Silent Witness in the Woods

Later that night, a team responding to a trespassing call in dense woods near Highland Avenue stopped dead in their tracks when Sr. Patrolman Coffman heard faint cries for help around 10:30 p.m. Battling slick slopes from rain, Coffman descended a 20-foot embankment, only to find Simmons submerged up to his neck in a creek, immobilized and injured.

That moment marked the beginning of a race against time.

🛟 A Rope Rescue That Saved a Life

With water slowly rising toward danger, Coffman grabbed Simmons, climbed back using roots and tree branches, and — with the help of the Elkins Fire Department’s rope-rescue team — they pulled him to safety.

He was soon rushed to a nearby hospital and is now listed in stable condition.

👮‍♂️ Praise for True Heroism

In the aftermath, Police Chief Travis Bennett emphasized the critical role of first responders, giving special recognition to Coffman.

“No doubt… Sr. Patrolman Coffman saved Mr. Simmons’s life,” Chief Bennett said. “Our agencies are deeply grateful.”

Body-camera footage and detailed statements confirmed that without swift, decisive action, the outcome might have been tragic.

🌿 The Bigger Picture: Risks, Rewards, and Reminders

This case underscores several vital lessons:

Issue: Silver Alerts
Highlight: Crucial for mobilizing support but not always visible in rugged terrain

Issue: Public vigilance
Highlight: A trespassing response led to rescue — encouraging all citizens to report anything out of the ordinary

Issue: First-responder training
Highlight: Rope-rescue skills and bravery matter in critical scenarios

❤️ Community Cheers, Family Reunited

As Harold continues recovering, community gratitude has poured in — from prayer chains to volunteer bookings — all praising “every share, call and second-count.”

In a world where rescue can mean survival, one determined cop and an alert public made all the difference.

🗣️ Your Turn

➡️ Should Silver Alerts cover more terrain types — like waterways and mountain slopes?
➡️ How can rural search efforts be improved?
➡️ Know someone who once needed similar rescue? Inspire us with their story!

Your voice matters. Because every share makes rescue possible.