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(KSL News) - Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson is pleading with residents to stay focused on the search for 5-year-old Destiny Norton. The Salt Lake girl has been missing since Sunday night.
Friday Night, members of the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue team scoured City Creek Canyon, looking for any sign of Destiny.
Mayor Anderson met with the Norton family Friday afternoon. He then spoke with the media as part of a press conference with the family and local authorities.
Mayor Rocky Anderson, Salt Lake City: "Our focus should not be on past cases or issues that divide us as a community. Rather our focus must be on finding Destiny, and bringing her home to her family."
The mayor asked resident to stay vigilant and keep their eyes open for any sign of Destiny.
The mayor also announced an increase in the reward. The FBI has added $15,000 to the reward, bringing the reward total to $30,000.
But it's not the money that has most volunteers pitching in.
John Zenes, Volunteer Searcher: "This is a little girl, a human person you know we have 2 children of our own I would really hope that someone would come out and look for my child if something happened to them."
Police say they've received hundreds of tips, like this one, from a man who saw a girl in a car on State Street.
Todd Kelly, Volunteer Searcher: "She was just in the back seat that's all I can tell you and I mean it caught my eye enough to where she looked a lot like Destiny. I can't say it was her it was just enough to make me write everything down."
Chief Chris Burbank: "We are obviously prioritizing those leads into what we think are most probably or most likely. We are beginning with those. They are receiving the most emphasis."
Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Burbank says 70 detectives are devoted to the case.
Police, with the help of the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue, are doing a grid search of Destiny's neighborhood. Police also say they plan on draining the pond at Liberty Park.
Destiny's mother, Rachael Norton, again thanked the volunteers and individuals and businesses who have donated items.
Rachael Norton, Destiny's mother: "We just want our baby to come home."
Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson seconded her plea.
Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City: "We want to make certain that everything is done that all stops are pulled out to find Destiny to return her to the safety and the love of her family."
Following an emotional plea from the family yesterday, more volunteers have shown up. Friday's turnout is by far the largest so far. It was estimated that there were over 700 volunteers Friday.
Lori Hacking's father, Eraldo Soares, has been speaking to volunteers as they get ready to head out. Soares says he is impressed with the turnout.
Eraldo Soares, Lori Hacking's father: "I think that we will reach over a thousand people today. I hope many more will come tomorrow, because they will be free from work and schools. And I hope you will come out and help us find Destiny."
Jeannie Hill, Family friend: "I am overwhelmed by the amount of people who have come in. Just completely overwhelmed."
Volunteers are asked to go to the volunteer command post at 440 East Harvard Avenue (1110 South).
Searches will continue over the weekend, and if you're 18 or older, you're welcome to join in.
If you have any information call Salt Lake Police at 799-INFO or you can report your information online at www.tipsforcash.com.
