Citizens Played a Crucial Role in Finding Missing Windsor Man

October 24, 2025
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

When 67-year-old Alan Johnson was reported missing the evening of Monday, October 20th, the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Deforest Police and Fire/EMS, immediately began searching where he was last seen in Deforest, and a Silver Alert was issued.
The next day, Alan’s family contacted a commercial drone operator, Nathan DeMaster, who coordinated with the Sheriff’s Office and Deforest drone operators to help with the search. In addition, over 50 citizens volunteered on a cold, rainy day to search on foot, and Sheriff’s Office K9s and several dogs from Wisconsin K9 SOS worked to narrow the search area for the drone operators.
Because of unfavorable weather conditions, law enforcement drones were grounded, but Mr. DeMaster continued to fly his commercial-grade drone, equipped with thermal imaging. At approximately 4:00 pm on Tuesday, October 21st, Mr. Johnson was found in a marshy area near where he was last seen. He was suffering from hypothermia, but alive. 
“Mr. DeMaster’s contribution to this situation's positive conclusion is undeniable, said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “The way our community came together with our deputies to find Mr. Johnson is truly heartwarming, and a testament to the outstanding citizens we have here in Dane County.”
Deforest EMS transported Mr. Johnson to a local hospital for treatment, and he is expected to recover fully.