GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The men and women who searched and found the body of Maddox Ritch were honored Tuesday night in Gaston County.
6-year-old Maddox disappeared at 'Rankin Lake Park in September.
His body was found days later in a nearby creek. An autopsy revealed he died from drowning.
Tuesday, Members from the Civil Air Patrol who were part of the search efforts received an award of service from the North Carolina Wing Commander for their service to the community.