Fans began posting to message boards as early as noon on Tuesday, expressing concern about Juarbe. Another "Small Town X" contestant, Kristin Kircher, logged on to confirm that he did indeed work for the Chelsea Fire Department, one of the first units to arrive at the struck towers.

Joe Garcia, a friend of the firefighter, later logged on to give his personal account of being told that Juarbe had been on the phone with someone when he said, "I gotta go ... I have to go to the World Trade Center." Garcia concluded with, "Everyone I've spoken to says, 'it doesn't look good' and fears the worst."

Finally, George Verschoor, Bob Fisher and Gordon Cassidy, producers of the show, posted a message Wednesday afternoon that read in part: "We appreciate and are touched by the many posts expressing your concern for Angel in the wake of the events in New York. Please know that your thoughts and concerns have not gone unappreciated by all of here at Fox, and by Angel's family. As of 11:00 am PST this morning (2:00 Eastern time), we confirmed that Angel is one of the many firefighters still missing. That is as much as we -- or anyone -- know at this time. As you've seen on television, rescue operations are continuing. As information becomes available, we will let everyone here on the board know more. Until then, we know you join us in sending our prayers and best wishes to Angel and his family."

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