(CNN) When a toddler went missing in rural Michigan in October 2013, residents and law enforcement officials quickly mobilized a massive search party.

Volunteers searched for 2-year-old Amber Smith on foot, horseback and on off-road vehicles in and around the western Michigan town of Newaygo. As day turned to night and temperatures dropped, many feared the worst.

The next day, a Michigan conservation officer spotted the young girl standing by woods less than 2 miles from her home.

"I took my helmet off and threw it on the ground and walked right over to her, and she reached her arms up for me and I gave her a big hug," Jeff Ginn said. "Finding the girl was pure luck."

It's not the first time Ginn has been at the right place at the right time. During his last 12 years of service, he has been credited with saving five lives while on duty, including Amber Smith.

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