Greek authorities are investigating new developments in the disappearance of a 45-year-old firefighter, as a handwritten note and digital data have emerged while search efforts continue for a seventh consecutive day.
The missing man, Konstantinos Gkinis, is the commander of a local fire service unit in northern Greece. He was last seen one week ago in the broader Serres region, and despite extensive searches, no trace of him has yet been found.
According to information made available to investigators, police have recovered a handwritten note that Gkinis had left in the pocket of a jacket. The note reportedly lists the names of his wife and two children, with the phrase “I love you” written next to each name. The note is undated and is believed to have been intended for his spouse.
Authorities are also examining data retrieved from the cloud storage of his smartwatch. The information shows his recent movements and provides insight into his physical and psychological condition in the days before his disappearance. The data indicate that he had been sleeping very little—no more than two to three hours per night—and appeared to be highly restless.
At the same time, specialized police units are analyzing his mobile phone to determine whether it contains any information that could assist in locating him. Field searches are ongoing, particularly in a nearby mountainous area where the firefighter was known to hike frequently.
The disappearance has deeply unsettled the local community. Residents describe Gkinis as a responsible, sociable and well-liked figure, with local officials saying the village feels as though it has lost a member of its own family.
Search operations have been intensified, involving police units with trained dogs, fire service teams, drones, mountain rescue specialists from a major nearby city, and numerous volunteers. Despite the scale of the operation, authorities confirm that no personal items or confirmed traces linked to the missing firefighter have been discovered so far.
Gkinis was last seen on the morning of December 23, when he left his home driving a car belonging to his mother. He did not take his mobile phone, bank cards or other personal belongings with him. His disappearance was reported the following day by his wife, prompting the issuance of a public alert.
