According to his father, Michael Chipps, Tony, and his wife had a minor disagreement, which may have prompted him to take some time away. Michael noted:
"We had heard that he had a little tiff going on with his wife and that they needed to get away from each other for a short time,"
Tony Bortner has served as a fire police captain with the Laurel Fire Company #1 for many years, and his disappearance was publicly announced by the fire company on their Facebook page when he had been missing for nearly 48 hours.
Tony's father Micheal expressed his son's deep connection to the fire department, stating, "It's his passion, and for him not to be in touch with them is out of character."
Authorities indicated they tracked Tony's phone to the river area around 2:15 PM on Thursday but lost the signal shortly thereafter. Despite their concerns, Tony's parents do not suspect foul play. Micheal, Tony Bortner's father added: