Bristol Police Sending Officers to Help Look For Missing Officer in Costa Rica

The Bristol Police Department is sending a team of officers to help search for their missing friend and colleage, Bristol Patrol Officer Richard Jean-Georges.

Jean-Georges, a three-year veteran of the department, was on vacation with family in Costa Rica when he was swept away by a rip current.

An ongoing search by authorities in Costa Rica will be bolstered by the arrivial of the Bristol officers, who are due to arrive this morning to help, Bristol Police said in a release.

“We ask that you keep Ptlm. Jean Georges and his family in your thoughts,” the release stated.

Police Chief Josue D. Canario got a call from Jean-Georges’ family on June 7 informing him of the incident.

Jean-Georges was swimming at Jaco Beach on the Pacific Coast when he was pulled away by the current.

Red Cross Spokesman Freddy Román said that crews got a report at around 7:31 p.m. on Saturday of two people who “disappeared” during a period of high surf.

The National Air Vigilance Service, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Red Cross have been searching for Jean-George by air and sea with a plane, jetskis and a speedboat.

Jean-Georges was with another man who reportedly was rescued on Saturday and transported to a medical center.

Officials in the country had warned of strong waves over the weekend.

A missing person report has been filed with the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.

Jean-Georges’ father said that he was celebrating a cousin’s birthday.

“I pray that nobody else ever has to deal with this because this is the worst thing we’ve ever dealt with” said Manny Jean-Georges Sr.