Connor Lees LAFD Missing – On the night of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Connor Lees, a 28-year-old off-duty firefighter with the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD), disappeared while on a recreational diving expedition in the Port of Long Beach.
Lees, who served as a firefighter for six years, was highly esteemed within his department and was employed at an operational fire station in Los Angeles. An comprehensive, ongoing search effort involving multiple agencies has been initiated in response to his disappearance.
At the time of the incident, Lees was diving with a group of companions. At approximately 9:45 p.m., the group of twenty-somethings departed from a vessel in the port area and entered the water.
Although three individuals initiated the dive, only two emerged. The Long Beach Fire Department conducted a comprehensive search operation after the group promptly dialed 911.
According to Dennis Buchanan, the Fire Chief of the Long Beach Fire Department, the LAFD, Long Beach Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, and Los Angeles Port Police have all mobilized resources to assist in the rescue efforts. Two dozen divers employ specialized underwater apparatus to conduct the search operation.
The search has been complicated by the challenging conditions in the Port of Long Beach, which include potentially hazardous underwater structures and limited visibility. Divers are conducting meticulous surveys of the region in order to locate Lees.
Kristin Crowley, the Fire Chief of the LAFD, stated that the department is dedicated to returning Connor Lees home, despite the challenges. She emphasized the community’s support and the collaborative efforts of the involved agencies.
The firefighting community has been significantly affected by Lees’ disappearance. He was a highly esteemed member of his station and was renowned for his camaraderie and dedication. The incident underscores the inherent hazards that are associated with recreational diving, even for those who have undergone rigorous training and maintain a high level of physical fitness.
The authorities are encouraging individuals who may have witnessed anomalous activity in the vicinity or have information regarding the incident to come forward. The search is ongoing, and personnel are resolute in their commitment to persisting as long as the circumstances permit.