A Florida firefighter has vanished while on a trip to Maine. He went to to Maine to visit his girlfriend, and hasn't been seen since February 16th. A person of interest has been named in his disappearence and foul play is suspected. While I hope he's found alive... there is a part of this case that really frustates me. Because he put himself in this position....
He was a married family man, with a demanding career as a firefighter. Yet, according to his wife, he had "friends from all over and it wasn't unusual for him to go out of town to visit them." Um really? You have a wife, and kids, and a demanding job, and yet you repeatedly left your family to go visit your out of town "friends?" And now your children are moe than likely left without a father because you put your selfish interests ahead of your responsibilities as a father and husband.
It is not yet known if his wife knew of his extracurricular activities... I do hope he's found safe and sound. And if he is, I hope someone knocks some sense into him.
Either she is in denial, or she's trying to keep the worst of it out of the news for who knows why... maybe she's trying to spare her kids, I don't know. I do know that a married person dedicated to their spouse and kids, especially one with a demanding career, doesn't have the time to go visit out of town friends as frequently as is indicated that he did.. his firefighter buddies are the ones trying to make it sound all on the up and up, which could wind up hampering the investigation.
UPDATE: Unfortunately, this story has taken a sad, but expected twist. The body of missing Fl firefighter was found Wednesday in a wooded area in Maine. He had traveled to Maine to visit a "friend." Police are calling it a drug related killing and a suspect has been arrested. Details below: