BIG LAKE, MO (KCTV) -
Law enforcement agencies continue Wednesday searching for a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper who went missing Monday afternoon, but they say the search hasn't been easy.
Fred Guthrie, a 17-year veteran of the Highway Patrol, was assisting with battling the floodwaters in northwest Missouri. Officials believe too much time has passed for Guthrie to survive.
But officials say they are determined to recover Guthrie's body. The body of his canine unit, Reed, was discovered Tuesday night.
A fund to assist Guthrie's family has been established, officials said Wednesday. Guthrie of Platte City is survived by his wife and three children.
Donations may be made to the Bank of Weston, P.O. Box 8, Weston, MO 64098.
The currents in the floodwaters have hindered the recovery effort, particularly in using sonar equipment.
Crews are using sand bags to slow the water while a Black Hawk helicopter with sonar hovers above.
Guthrie, 46, worked out of Troop A in Lee's Summit but was sent up to Big Lake in Holt County to patrol flooded land.
A MOHP spokesman said Guthrie was last seen at lunch around noon Monday with fellow troopers.
A trooper found his car unattended near Highway 118 and Highway 111 three hours later.
Those working on the search said it's especially hard when it's one of their own.
"You get to know each other and not only is it another fellow law enforcement officer but it's somebody that you know and that makes it very difficult and makes the urgency that much more that we need to find this trooper," said Sgt. Sheldon Lyon with the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The flooded road near where Guthrie's car was found is described as having strong currents.
A condolence has been established for Guthrie's family on Facebook. To leave your thoughts, click here.
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© Fred Guthrie and Reed/Facebook
