SPARWOOD (NEWS1130) - Everyone involved in trying to find a missing Sparwood toddler is being thanked today. The RCMP will be presenting Letters of Appreciation to area search and rescue teams, first responders and local miners.
In September,
Kienan Hebert was abducted, prompting multiple searches over several days. Police issued an
AMBER Alert in both BC and Alberta.
The ceremony of recognition today has Paul Hebert reflecting on what matters in life. The toddler's father is extremely grateful, saying the word "thanks" is not a strong enough to describe how he feels.
He appreciates everything his community has done for him and knows he was so close to not having his son home with him for Christmas. "I'm happy that somebody is taking the time out of their day to recognize the volunteers. There are so many people that do so many things every day that don't get recognized."
Now, the Hebert family can live with happiness this Christmas. "The celebration is not taking every day for granted -- to take a step back everyday and just appreciate what we have because we're just not sure what's going to happen the next day."
Paul Hebert says he's learned the importance of hope and wants people to not sweat the small stuff in life.
"I hope nobody has to go through another kidnapping, but even if it's just something small like no food on the table that day... they know they can hope something will happen because there are good people out there everyday," he adds.
Three-year-old Kienan was
returned home safe and sound four days after he went missing.
Randall Hopley is charged with kidnapping, abduction of a child under 14 and break and enter.