Hope for Indiana's missing
By Jenna Buehler Comet writer-intern

Bishop

After the disappearance of stepdaughter Karen Jo Smith six years ago, Carroll County resident Patti Bishop became founder and chairperson for In Hope Indiana Missing (IHIM). Bishop has brought compassion and support to those in need by sharing her experience, strength and hope.

IHIM supplies K-9 dogs trained for search and recovery, underwater sonar equipment, aerial digital imaging, online resources, all terrain vehicles, horses and volunteer searchers, free of charge to those in need. Agroup of 30 volunteers called Indiana Team Hope, travels state-wide providing resources and support to families and law enforcement with a missing adult.

"We help people who have or have had missing (people) start changes because it is hard to do alone, they need to know where to go, who to turn to and how to begin" explained Bishop. "And when our volunteers take a hand and say 'I understand,' they (those with missing people) know we understand. You can't lose hope - about the time you do, our people will bring it right back to you."

Bishop participated in more than 12 searches so far this year, some of which include the Carroll County June 5 hunt along SR18 for the missing 17- year-old girl, and the Jan. 13 disappearance of Purdue studentWade Steffey.

"When the boy (Steffey) went missing, there was no volunteer center. Then boom, almost overnight, with www.facebook.com, I was able to get volunteers non-stop, students, mothers and fathers - over 3,000 people, all wanting to help."

"All we do is call the police saying 'we have resources.' And they are free 'f.r.e.e.' of charge, because we've already paid the ultimate price."

Bishop believes it is the inspiration of her stepdaughter, that made IHIM possible, bringing endless resources to Indiana citizens in need.

"Suddenly, by helping others find their missing, I was able to help myself. From there we ended up volunteering for a fourth year with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)."

TeamHope has participated in awareness events for over six years to bring awareness and education to citizens about Indiana missing. Bishop also presented a NCMEC seminar in lateAugust, which was attended by Carroll County Sheriff Tony Burns and Deputy Tobe Leazenby.

"It enhanced our understanding of what the center has to offer on a national and local level," explained Leazenby. "Now, we have another resource when it comes to searching for runaways, the missing, and their abductors."

IHIM began taking donations to support services in May. A fundraiserwas held atValleVista Country Club in Greenwood Aug. 25, and a total of $2,000 was raised, which will provide free services to those with missing. Bishop and IHIM will participate nation-wide in the "squeaky wheel tour," beginning Oct. 17. The awareness program will be stationed in Indianapolis Oct. 27.

According to Bishop, there are 1,012 missing in Indiana. Steve Halcomb, Bishop's stepdaughter's ex-husband, was convicted of Smith's murder on Dec. 14, 2004. That was four years to the day Smith disappeared. He received 65 years in prison although jurors found him guilty without any physical evidence or murder weapon. After losing his first appeal, he continues to be incarcerated at Wabash Valley prison. Smith, however, remains missing.

"We will never stop searching," concludedBishop. "Wewill never give up hope."

For volunteer or donation information, contact Bishop at inhope@ verizon.net or at (765) 404-2102.

* Bishop will present information to Prevent Child Abuse Carroll County Sept. 20 at the Flora Community Center. The public is encouraged to attend.