Sandy Springs Cop Helps Disabled Man Reunite With Family

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Any police officer working patrol can tell you that any given shift will not be like the previous ones they've logged for their agencies. For Sandy Springs officer Patrick Burt, that sentiment rang true when he stumbled upon the case of a developmentally disabled man who was reported missing by his family.

Burt was recognized for his actions by the Sandy Springs City Council at its Dec. 18 meeting. Police Chief Ken DeSimone said this case stands out because the situation the officer encountered was unusual.

Burt received a call from the family of a man who reported their loved one missing. Neither the gentleman nor his family lived in the state, and Sandy Springs police did not receive a missing person's report pertaining to this resident. The man apparently got on a bus from New York and traveled to the metro Atlanta area, the chief noted.

DeSimone said the normal protocol would be to direct the family to call police departments in the applicable jurisdictions. However, the chief said the family reached out to two agencies, and they were not helpful.

When officer Burt heard about the situation, he "took it upon himself" to investigate the missing man while answering calls for service during his evening shift. DeSimone said Burt was able to juggle answering 911 calls while reviewing surveillance tapes and interviewing witnesses related to the case. He even added the missing man's information into the Georgia Crime Information Center's database.

Burt's diligence paid off, as Milton police located the man the following morning. The Sandy Springs officer, who was off-duty, responded to Milton and was able to reunite the man with his family in New York.

DeSimone said he thought it was appropriate to inform City Manager John McDonough of Burt's actions when the story came across his desk.

"This is the caliber of officers we have working here," DeSimone said to the City Council, adding Burt has been with SSPD for less than a year.

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Photo: Sandy Springs Police Chief Ken DeSimone, left, and officer Patrick Burt. Credit: city of Sandy Springs.