Rescue crews suspend recovery mission for missing fire chief from flood-stricken B.C. Interior

RCMPsay they have suspended the recovery mission foramissing fire chief who was likely swept away by flood waters in Cache Creek, B.C., earlier this month.

ClaytonCassidy, 59, waslast seen on May 5 just outside the village about an hour west ofKamloopschecking water levelsin the creek near theBrooksideCampground.

Cassidy'svehicle was found near a washed-out bridge where he was last spotted. Crews presumed he was swept away or fell into the water.

A few days later, the search was changed to a recovery mission, the chief presumed dead.

Cpl. Dan Moskaluksaid the missing person file will remain open, but crews and community volunteers have suspended their search efforts as of Sunday.

Cassidy, known for his dogged community involvement, won aB.C. awardfor his leadership and bravery during a past flood.

In 2016, Premier Christy Clark laudedCassidyfor his tireless community service and grit during the2015 Cache Creek flash floods, noting that"some people rise to the occasion and others go above and beyond."

The province's Interior has been hit with flooding caused by heavy rains and melting snow pack over the last week.

With files from Yvette Brend and Liam Britten