Carpenter found on property

Personnel from fire departments in Sturgis and across the county are in mourning after learning Monday about the weekend passing of Ladd Carpenter, Sturgis assistant fire chief.

A 45-person search for Carpenter’s body was staged Sunday morning after the 55-year-old Sturgis Fire Department veteran failed to show up for an early shift Sunday. Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite said searchers focused their effort in and around Carpenter’s 27-acre White Pigeon Township property, as his car keys and wallet were found inside his residence.

Foul play has been ruled out by investigators.

Carpenter was a 27-year employee with the Sturgis department.