SOUTHINGTON — The community has come together in a massive search effort to locate 82-year-old Robert C. Wolf, who has been missing since Feb. 21.

Wolf was last seen at his residence on Herner County Line Road, and his cellphone and vehicle remain at the home. Authorities believe he may have been walking in the areas of state Route 534, state Route 305 and Warren-Painesville Road.

Southington fire Chief Scotty Bower reported that more than 112 volunteers joined first responders in the search Monday.

“We’ve had a great turnout from the community,” Bower said. “We’ve searched over 1,000 acres so far and plan to cover another 700 acres before dark.”

The search operation has been a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, local fire departments, and the Ohio State Patrol. Canine units, drones, and an airplane have been deployed to aid in the search. Volunteers have been organized into two buddy teams with a sign in / out sheet for participants to be accounted for after they’ve concluded the search for the day.

Trumbull County Sheriff Michael G. Wilson said community involvement is crucial for moments like these.

“It’s just great to see the community come together,” Wilson said. “We’ve had people from all over the county volunteering to help with this search.”

Brent Harshman, a relative of Wolf, has been actively participating in the search since Thursday.

“It’s humbling to see the amount of support,” Harshman said. “The community has really shown up today, and we’re very appreciative.”

He was joined by Trevor Mendenhall from Bristolville and Brock Pierce from Cortland.

Beth Clear, also a relative of Wolf, expressed her gratitude for the widespread support. “I’m happy to see that there’s so many people around here, not just from the community, but from everywhere,” Clear said. “If they can’t be here to search or help, they’re sending in donations and prayers. It’s just amazing. It’s a blessing.”

The effort was partly spearheaded by Hope Harshman of Harshman’s Gas Station and Garage, who coordinated with the Amish community to provide food for volunteers. “People have been going through myself and others to bring food in and to let us know they’re bringing monetary donations,” Clear added. “It’s keeping our crews going, our teams going.”

The search efforts have been supported by local businesses across Trumbull County and the Amish community, who have provided food and donations to keep the volunteers and first responders going.

Lois Wortman, a member of the Southington Fire Auxiliary, highlighted how united the communities have been. “This is above and beyond mutual aid,” Wortman said. “We couldn’t have done it without the Amish community and everyone who has contributed.”

As the search continues, authorities urge anyone with information about Wolf’s whereabouts to contact the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office at 330-675-2508 or submit an anonymous tip online.

The community remains hopeful as they work tirelessly to bring Wolf home safely. “It takes a community, and the community has shown up today,” Harshman said. “We’re grateful for everyone’s efforts.”

Trumbull County Emergency Management Agency Director John E. Hickey addressed the first wave of searchers after returning back to the fire station. Hickey asked the crowd for willing searchers to stick around to continue their efforts — with several hands going up in favor of continuing to search.