LEAGUE CITY, Texas — Search crews vowed to work through the night looking for Kemah Police Chief Chris Reed.
The Coast Guard plans to continue their search as long as they think Reed can survive out here.
It’s been more than 24 hours since Reed disappeared in the water off the Texas City Dike.
Authorities say he fell off a boat after hitting a wake.
Many of those hoping for his safe return gathered Saturday to show their support to his family, the Kemah Police Department and the communities he’s impacted.
People are feeling helpless as they wait for answers but they’re staying strong as they wait for Reed to come home.
Those who know Reed, his family or have heard about his disappearance showed up to Veterans Memorial Stadium in League City. They were greeted with blue ribbons.
Some signed posters writing messages of support, love and well wishes.
Greg Smith, superintendent for Clear Creek ISD said, “It’s difficult. It’s very difficult. This is a shocker for everybody.”
Smith has known Reed for 20 years through Reed’s work as a district board of trustee and as a friend.
“We hope that we do find him but on behalf of the entire community and his family we want Chris back and we want him back now,” Smith said.
Even though it’s hard, everyone is optimistic, waiting on the good news that Reed has been found safe.
“We’re not going to give up hope until someone defines that for us and brings him back," Smith said.
Kemah City Administrator Wendy Ellis added, “I’m going to continue that hope until I have something that tells me not to.”
Those who worked closely with Reed through the city of Kemah and the department like Ellis said his 18 officers are working through the unknown.
“They take care of the job and the task that needs to be done today and they don’t lose focus on that because that’s what Chris would want from them and that’s what he would expect,” Ellis said.
They ask the community to keep the man whose given his life to public service in their thoughts until they find him.
Through a statement, Reed’s wife and three children are thankful for the love that’s giving them strength through these tough times.
They ask for prayers, not just for Reed, but also for his officers and search teams.
ALSO POPULAR ON KHOU.COM