RISING SUN, Ind. -- A missing EMT is "a person of interest" in the theft from an emergency medical service, Aurora Police Chief Josh Daugherty said.
Craig Whitham, 42, has been missing since Monday morning. He is an emergency medical technician for Aurora Emergency Rescue, a private non-profit company in Aurora, Indiana that makes more than 1,000 runs each year. Whitham has worked there for 22 years, and also served as the company's treasurer for about a year.
The president of Aurora Emergency Rescue called police Monday to report discrepancies in the company's books. Sources said at least $50,000 was missing, and it could be as much as $100,000. The company has an annual budget of about $200,000 funded by riverboat gambling profits, insurance reimbursements and donations.
Whitham was questioned about the money shortly before he disappeared, Daugherty said.
A Dearborn County judge issued a subpoena to PNC Bank Wednesday, ordering them to turn over records for any accounts in Whitham's name.
Ed Opp, the president of Aurora Emergency Rescue, said Whitham was well-liked in the community and they were concerned about him.
"I'd like to tell him to come home," Opp said. "Everyone here would like to see him come home. We miss him. And, I hope he's safe."
Relatives of a southeastern Indiana first responder said they don't know why he would simply vanish, leaving behind his cell phone and wallet.
His cousin, Angel Adams, said Whitham lives with her parents in Rising Sun, Indiana.
"He is the most dependable, responsible person you can ever imagine," Adams said. "He's been an EMT for 20 years. He was in the Army. He has worked at the hospital. His whole life has been about helping people."
Whitham's friends started a Facebook page to spread the word. Lt. Brian Browning, with the Rising Sun Police Department, said Whitham may be driving a silver 2014 Dodge Journey.
Adams said family and friends have looked all around town and beyond, but now have no choice but to wait.
"It's just a whole range of emotions. One minute, it's 'We know he's OK, he's probably just somewhere taking some time and he's going to be OK,' and then we are sad," she said.
No major searches are planned. Browning said police don't have a lot of leads and need help locating Whitham.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Rising Sun Police Department at 812-438-3737.
