Search Continues For Missing New City Woman

Clarkstown police this morning resumed their search of New City for a local woman who has been missing for more than 24 hours, with a specially-trained team of rescue workers and dogs called in to assist the operation today.

Police Chief Michael Sullivan said a command post has been established in the area of the home of Denise Gruffi, 57, of 15 Ann St., who has been missing since she left her home at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Sullivan said police are conducting a grid search of the area today after having done similar searches yesterday near the Gruffi home and around Link Elementary School, where Gruffi is a teaching assistant.

The search for Gruffi has sparked an outpouring of support for the Gruffi family from the community. Sullivan said that the plight of the missing woman has even led to members of the community asking if they can volunteer to be part of the search effort. However, Sullivan said today that the best way the community can help is by keeping an eye out for Gruffi and call police at 845-639-5800 if they have information about her.

"We need the people in the community to be our eyes and ears and keep a sharp look out for Mrs. Gruffi," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the police department has received several tips in the search for Gruffi and checked out each of them.

"If people have information that they think can help, we will check it out right away," Sullivan said.

The search for Gruffi began Tuesday after her husband discovered a note indicating that his wife might harm herself. Clarkstown Sgt. Harry Baumann said investigators are uncertain what led to Gruffi's disappearance.

Throughout the day Tuesday, the Rockland County emergency helicopter, police canine units from Clarkstown and Westchester County and the Rockland County Sheriff's Department Mounted Unit searched New City for Gruffi. Volunteer firefighters from New City, Congers and West Nyack joined the search Tuesday afternoon.

The search was called off Tuesday night. Today, Sullivan said weather conditions are preventing the search from using the county's helicopter. However, Sullivan said a team from Ramapo Rescue, which is specially trained for difficult search missions, is coming to New City to assist in the search for Gruffi.

UPDATE: The Ramapo Rescue team is in New City and is going to conduct a search of the Cropsey Farm property off Little Tor Road.

Members of the Sheriff's Mounted Unit are also searching Kennedy-Dells Park on North Main Street in New City. Sullivan said Gruffi was a frequent visitor to the county park.

A new group of volunteer firefighters was called out late this morning to provide manpower for the search effort. Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services Director Gordon Wren Jr. said more than 30 volunteer firefighters are working with police this afternoon with the search effort, which is expected to continue again until dark.

Gruffi is described as 5-foot-6, about 165 pounds with blue eyes and reddish brown hair. Police did not have a description of the clothing she was wearing.

Gruffi left home on foot and was not believed to be using a car, however, police are looking for a white 1995 Honda Civic owned by a family member that Gruffi may be using. Clarkstown police also received assistance from Haverstraw police, who searched the cemetery in Haverstraw where Gruffi's parents are buried, police said.

UPDATE: Extra staff available to respond to students' questions and concerns at Link Elementary today.

As the search for Gruffi continues, school staff has been trying to answer students’ questions.  Gruffi has worked at Link Elementary for 18 years and is well known by students and their parents.  District Superintendent Margaret Keller-Cogan said the school’s faculty met on Tuesday to discuss how to respond to students.

She is “described as the heart and soul of the school,” said the superintendent.  She said people describe Gruffi as always having a smile and having a significant positive impact on the school.

Link had extra staff on hand today; additional psychologists and student support counselors were in the building.  Students asked about the helicopter they heard in the area and the large number of police officers.  

“Questions were dealt with as factually as possible,” said the superintendent.

She hopes people will remain positive.

“We ask people not to draw adverse conclusions until we have more information,” she said.  “We look forward to seeing her back again.”