OAKHAM, Mass. - The family of an Oakham boy had a chance to say thank you Tuesday to the first responders who helped find him.

5-year old Owen Goderre went missing for a few hours in February. Owen is autistic and non-verbal. It was believed he walked away from his family home.

State police and local law enforcement began a search through the nearby woods and were able to find Owen and his dog unharmed. Owen's parents thanked the more than 60 people who worked to help locate their son.

"I’m awestruck and humbled by the focus, the coordination, the teamwork with the singular goal to help people, the singular goal to help this family," said Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr.

"These successful conclusions are really a combination of so many factors that come together when people set aside whatever petty disputes or differences we may have,” said Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John Mawn, Jr. “I'm not saying we have them but come together united in a common mission, a common goal to bring somebody home safely, you see what the result is."

All of the participating law enforcement officers, 60 in totla, received the district attorney's TEAM Award, which recognizes public safety employees who go above and beyond the call of duty.