Extensive Multi-Agency Search Leads to Successful Location of Missing Woman
Nineteen-year-old Emma Oppedisano, of Brighton, was safely located following an extensive search involving multiple specialized units and partner agencies.
On August 3, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff's deputies were notified that Ms. Oppedisano had become separated from her father in the area of Browncroft Boulevard and Old Browncroft Boulevard in the Town of Penfield.
Deputies immediately established a perimeter and began searching the area. As the search progressed, it quickly became apparent to the deputies that the size, terrain, and complexity of the search area required additional specialized resources. Members of the MCSO Drone Response Team and K-9 Unit, along with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Bloodhound K9 and New York State Police Aviation Unit, conducted a coordinated search of the expansive wooded area. Due to the proximity of a nearby waterway, the MCSO Underwater Search and Recovery Team (SCUBA) was also deployed to ensure every possible area was thoroughly searched.
Search efforts were suspended during the early hours of August 4, 2026, and resumed later in the morning under daylight conditions and with additional resources.
As the search continued into the afternoon, deputies assigned to the MCSO Bike Unit shared updated photos of Ms. Oppedisano with community members they encountered on the park trails. Shortly after seeing the photo, an observant community member alerted the deputies and reported seeing a woman matching Ms. Oppedisano's description on a nearby trail. Deputies immediately responded to the area, located Ms. Oppedisano, and a coordinated effort between resources on scene worked to bring her from the wooded area to awaiting emergency medical personnel. Ms. Oppedisano was now safe but transported to a local hospital for evaluation after being exposed to the elements.
"I am proud of the members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office who successfully coordinated this operation," said Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. "No single agency could accomplish a search of this magnitude alone. Our partners supported this mission from the air, on the water, and across the land. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, K-9 teams, drone operators, emergency medical personnel, volunteers, members of the public, and the media all played an important role in bringing this search to a successful conclusion."
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere appreciation to the many partner agencies and organizations that assisted in locating Ms. Oppedisano, including:
- New York State Police Aviation Unit
- Ontario County Sheriff's Office K-9 Bloodhound Team
- West Webster Fire Department
- Penfield Ambulance
- Penfield Fire Department
- Monroe County Fire Bureau
- Monroe County Special Operations
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office also recognizes the outstanding efforts of its specialized units and personnel, including:
- Drone Response Team
- Underwater Search and Recovery Team (SCUBA)
- Mounted Unit
- Bike Unit
- Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC)
- Mobile Command Post
Finally, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere gratitude to the community members whose vigilance and willingness to share information directly contributed to the successful outcome of this search.
Sergeant Brendan Hurley
Sheriff's Administrative Sergeant
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4281