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Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s father wants Montreal police division dedicated to missing kids searches

Click to play video: 'Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family wants police division to search for missing kids'
Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family wants police division to search for missing kids
WATCH: The father of missing 10-year-old Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou says he hasn't stopped hoping his son will be found alive. Global's Amanda Jelowicki reports – Apr 12, 2018

The father of missing 10-year-old Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou says he hasn’t stopped hoping his son will be found alive.

Frédéric Kouakou met with the media Thursday at a church not far from his home in Ahuntsic-Cartierville.

READ MORE: Montreal police end river search for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou

He said he would like to see Montreal police dedicate a division solely responsible to search for missing children. Kouakou was joined by Michel Surprenant, the father of Julie Surprenant, who went missing in 1999.

READ MORE: Montreal deploys ice breaker in search for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou

Kouakou said hope is what is keeping him going each day. He describes the last 30 days as a nightmare — but he believes his son will be found.

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READ MORE: Nova Scotia RCMP dog joins search for missing Montreal boy Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou

“I want to keep the flame alive,” he said.

“I want to express the profound sadness that one month has gone by. Thirty long days, 30 long nights without my son.”

Ariel disappeared March 12. He was last seen in Parc des Bateliers.

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WATCH BELOW: Surveillance video of missing Montreal boy has father on edge

Click to play video: 'Surveillance video of missing Montreal boy has father on edge'
Surveillance video of missing Montreal boy has father on edge

Video surveillance shows him in the park, which sits next to the Rivière des Prairies.

READ MORE: ‘We have to keep going’: Search continues for 10-year-old Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou

Police divers have stopped searching in the river because of dangerous conditions. While police say they believe the boy drowned, they insist they are investigating all possible theories.

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READ MORE: Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou’s family hires private investigator to explore kidnapping theory

Kouakou said he has leaned on Surprenant for support in the last month.

“He answers my calls and we talk,” he said.

Surprenant said it’s especially difficult for families with missing children when the media attention disappears.

WATCH BELOW: Montrealers form human chain for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou

Click to play video: 'Montrealers form human chain for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou'
Montrealers form human chain for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou

“It gives you something to keep your mind busy,” he said.

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Kouakou thanked the police, volunteers and Montrealers for their help in searching for his missing boy.

READ MORE: Reward for information being offered by family of missing Montreal boy

He said he wants to keep the story in the news, so people continue searching and keeping their eyes open for his son.

READ MORE: ‘We need to keep the story alive’: Montrealers form human chain for Ariel Jeffrey Kouakou

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