Missing Arcadia Firefighter's Dog Spotted Near Fillmore

FILLMORE (CBSLA.com) — Search and rescue crews Wednesday believe they spotted the dog belonging to an off-duty Arcadia firefighter and paramedic who went missing last week outside of Fillmore.

Crews took Michael Herdman's wife into the rugged terrain to try and retrieve the dog named Duke, but they were unsuccessful.

KCAL9's Brittney Hopper reports a number of people will be searching on the ground for Herdman overnight. Others were expected to help Thursday morning.

Last Friday night, Herdman, 36, and fellow firefighter/paramedic Taylor Byars hiked to Tar Creek Trail and set up camp along the Sespe Creek when Duke ran away.

Herdman, who was barefoot and wearing shorts and a T-shirt, along with Byars, ran after the dog.

The two men became separated. Byars eventually made his way back to the campsite, but Herdman, a seven-year firefighter, and Duke never returned.

Family and friends still have hope Herdman will turn up.

"We are all expecting to see Mike come over the hill behind us and be surprised to see us all here," Mike Macgregor said.

Friends said if anyone can survive in the wilderness, Herdman can.

"Mike has backpacked extensively through the Sierras and through the Sespe Wilderness," Macgregor said.

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