Daniel Patrick Sullivan, 55, was reported missing April 4 by his roommate, Gary Goon, who said Sullivan disappeared from his home in the 1100 block of Third Street on the morning of April 2.

Between 20 and 25 Temple officers and federal agents wearing protective suits sifted through rubbish while Scott & White EMS stood by to aid officers who were working under a blistering sun.

Temple Fire and Rescue brought its Hazmat truck to the site to monitor air quality and city public works employees assisted in the search.

Sgt. Brad Hunt, Temple Police Department public information officer, said the search was prompted by a credible tip.

“That tip was solid enough to get this large operation going,” Hunt said.

He said the search is expected to take about two weeks.

“That area is about 150 feet long, 100 feet wide and up to 15 feet deep,” he said.

“The landfill, because of TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) requirements, has to know exactly what days they allow garbage trucks and people to come dump items. So by their grid system we knew where to start,” Hunt said.

Police have not named a suspect in the case but continue to talk to people who knew Sullivan.

“Evidence, if found, would be a significant break in the case,” he said.

Hunt said this is the largest evidence search in Temple in at least 15 years.

The missing man is described as having blue eyes and gray hair. He is 5 foot, 8 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.