Scout Troop 544 has been recognized by both Okaloosa County and the City of Fort Walton Beach for their role in locating a missing 11-year-old autistic child in April.

• The Scouts were gathering for their weekly meeting on April 7 at their Scout Hut near Ferry Park in Fort Walton Beach when they were approached by Fort Walton Beach Police officers responding to a report of an endangered missing youth in the Ferry Park area.

“They called a time-out on their meeting and immediately joined the search,” said Police Chief Robert Bage, who estimated there were about 100 people involved in the search, including Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other volunteer groups.

The Scouts quickly organized into patrols led by the older scouts and Assistant Scoutmaster to search Ferry Park for the child. They located the child hiding in some bushes on a cold evening as the sun was beginning to set and were able to reassure and calm him down until law enforcement arrived.

• “Within a short period of time, the Boy Scouts located the missing child, immediately called the police department and we were able to return him back home to his family safe and sound,” Bage said.

Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon presented a proclamation to the scouts, praising their quick response to the potentially dangerous situation.

“I am very proud and appreciative of how Troop 544 demonstrated scouting values of helping others, showing kindness and teamwork,” Mixon said. “The actions of Troop 544 not only showcased their dedication to scouting principles but also emphasized the importance of community engagement and support in times of crisis.”

During Tuesday night’s council meeting, the City of Fort Walton Beach also recognized the troop. Chief Bage presented the scouts with a plaque, saying, “Today we’d like to commend the Boy Scouts and Troop 544 for going above and beyond in assisting us in locating the missing juvenile.”

The troop’s Scout Hut is located directly across from Ferry Park, where the search took place.