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Fire chief's body found

The body of Cache Creek's fire chief has been located, not far from the area he went missing on May 5th, according to the RCMP in Ashcroft.

On Saturday evening at approximately 10:30 p.m., Ashcroft RCMP were advised that the body of Clayton Cassidy was located in the waters of Cache Creek by members of the Ashcroft fire department.

RCMP officers, search and rescue technicians from Kamloops and Ashcroft firefighters worked throughout the night to try to recover the body, said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk, RCMP spokesperson.

He said recovery efforts are continuing, with SAR techs from the 100 Mile House SAR team attending to relieve the previous team.

"Mr Cassidy's body was located a short distance away from the bridge wash out area," Moskaluk said. "It is felt that a recovery will be safely completed today."

Ashcroft RCMP have notified the fire chief's family and are providing support, he said.

It's believed Cassidy, 59, was swept away when he went to inspect the swollen creek earlier this month. His vehicle was also found near the creek.

Cache Creek mayor John Ranta said Cassidy was "highly respected" in the community.

After floods hit the area in May of 2015, Cassidy worked hard to help residents whose homes were damaged. He was given a Medal of Good Citizenship by the provincial government for his service.

"He worked day after day after day after day, 14-hour days, helping people that had debris in their yards or sand and gravel or whatnot," Ranta said. "He just worked tirelessly until the whole community was cleaned up."

Ranta said Cassidy's death will be deeply felt in Cache Creek. "While flood damage can be repaired and we can take measures to prevent further flooding, the thing that can't be replaced is the life of Clayton Cassidy. That will be a tragedy that lives with us for years to come."

– with files from The Canadian Press


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