Dan Ebner 🌪🚒🚑 @WeatherEbner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Missouri Task Force 1 Nears Completion of Flood Response Mission BOONE COUNTY, Mo. — July 12, 2026 — Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1), an urban search and rescue team sponsored by the Boone County Fire Protection District, is nearing completion of its flood response mission in southeast Missouri following three operational periods supporting statewide response efforts in Reynolds and Iron counties. Since arriving on Friday, Missouri Task Force 1 search and rescue personnel have worked from sunrise to sunset conducting systematic primary searches of flood-impacted homes, campers and vehicles. Operating by both boat and on foot, crews covered multiple miles of flooded waterways and surrounding terrain, ensuring damaged structures were searched and confirming the welfare of residents who remained sheltered on higher ground. Throughout the deployment, team members operated in extreme heat, high humidity and rapidly changing conditions while continuing search operations in areas heavily impacted by floodwaters. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to serving others remained evident throughout the mission. To date, Missouri Task Force 1 has completed primary searches of more than 100 damaged structures, more than 90 damaged campers and more than 120 damaged vehicles. The district's Disaster Situational Assessment and Reconnaissance (DSAR) team also played a significant role throughout the operation, mapping more than 1,500 acres and collecting more than 6,000 assessment images. Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the team provided incident commanders with timely aerial imagery and mapping products that supported operational planning and resource deployment as conditions evolved. Throughout the deployment, Missouri Task Force 1 members were welcomed by local officials, emergency responders and residents across the affected communities. Their cooperation, hospitality and unwavering support greatly assisted response efforts and reflected the strength of Missouri's mutual aid system. "We're proud to have had the opportunity to assist our fellow Missourians during this historic flooding event," said Fire Chief Doug Westhoff. "When communities call for help, that's exactly what Missouri Task Force 1 was built to do." Missouri Task Force 1 is expected to conclude its mission and return to Boone County on Monday, pending final operational assignments from local officials and Missouri State Emergency Management Agency. #bcfpd #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #ahelpinghand

keyboard_arrow_left Previous keyboard_arrow_right Next

If you see this video making the rounds on social media, everyone is OK. One of our rescue boats capsized after the outboard motor became entangled with a submerged line. Two troopers immediately entered the water and safely self-rescued. No injuries were reported. Floodwater is unpredictable and often hides hazards, even for those of us with specialized training and equipment. This incident is a reminder of the dangers our troopers and partner agencies face while responding to emergencies and why we urge everyone to stay out of flooded areas whenever possible. 07.10.26 📍 Black River, Reynolds Co., MO.

Two Years Later: Remembering Assistant Chief Matt Tobben Two years ago today, we lost Assistant Chief Matt Tobben of the Boone County Fire Protection District. On the morning of July 8, 2024, he was assisting the Columbia Fire Department with a swiftwater rescue on Bear Creek in Columbia, MO when the rescue boat he was operating lost power, capsized, and Chief Tobben along with a Columbia Firefighter and the two victims that were rescued, were thrown into the current. The two civilians and the other firefighter were rescued downstream, however Chief Tobben never resurfaced. Chief Tobben gave his life so others could live. Matt was just 42 years old and became our Training Chief in May of 2024. He brought with him 19 years of firefighting and rescue experience from the Union Fire Protection District and Missouri Task Force 1. Chief Tobben was known for his unwavering dedication and his willingness to “go first” on every call. He gave every ounce of his heart and skill to protect others. Though a two years have passed, the legacy of Chief Tobben’s bravery still resonates in every firefighter he trained, every life he touched, and every mission he led. His sacrifice reminds us daily of the courage it takes to serve others selflessly. We carry his memory forward in our work, in our training, and in the way we care for one another. Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben End of Watch: July 8, 2024 We will never forget.

Love it!

Kip Kendrick @Kip_Kendrick

5 months ago

On Friday, April 17, @BooneCountyOEM activated outdoor warning sirens using the new CommanderOne program in response to severe weather conditions. This was our first use of this technology in Boone County.

keyboard_arrow_left Previous keyboard_arrow_right Next

1 2 9 717 0

Our survey team found another tornado from last Friday: An EF-0 tornado tracked 23.7 miles from near the MO River, through Hartsburg, before ending near Fulton. It is likely that the tornado touched down and lifted multiple times along the track.

Due to the potential for severe weather tonight, Boone County OEM activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) this morning at Level 3 (Enhanced Activation). Our staff are on site monitoring weather conditions, coordinating resources, and sharing information.

Job shirt season is the best season ❤️❤️❤️

Ben Truetken @bentruetken

a year ago

48° tomorrow morning. Me on the first day of job shirt season.

0 0 7 374 0

As a part of the inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month, this is our Emergency Management story and mission. Share yours in the comments below! #IAmEM

keyboard_arrow_left Previous keyboard_arrow_right Next

🚨Plane Crash West of Centralia🚨 Troopers responded to a crash yesterday afternoon, after a crop duster struck a power line near Route CC, in northern Boone County. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was transported to University Hospital @muhealth with serious injuries.

ALERT: Boone County Route CC is CLOSED between Swiney Road and March Road due to a small aircraft crash. Use an alternate route. Road excepted to reopen Wednesday afternoon.

MESSAGE HOME FROM SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAM: Everyone on the swift water team is doing well. We are attached to Missouri TF 1 FEMA USAR NIMS Type 3. Current we are conducting primary searches on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville Texas. We are covering few miles a days; process is slow and methodical with difficult terrain and water hazards. In those few miles we have had several verified spots with human remains detected. Eight members of the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team, VA-2, deployed to Texas Sunday evening to assist with ongoing flood response operations. @kerrcountytexas #kerrvilletexas #waterrescue #swiftwaterrescue @VBFD

keyboard_arrow_left Previous keyboard_arrow_right Next

NOW OPEN: Construction crews were able to reopen the eastbound I-70 exit ramp to U.S. Route 63 this evening, July 11, ahead of schedule. Continue to slow down, pay attention, and use caution with changing traffic patterns and multiple work zones in the area.

Tonight, President Trump and our brave military demonstrated the importance of strength in pursuit of peace. We strongly support the President’s actions against Iranian nuclear facilities. Missourians are proud of the men and women from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

In an effort to reduce traffic crashes and promote safe driving for Centralia’s Anchor Festival in Boone County, Captain Jason Crites announces Troop F will be conducting a special enforcement operation today targeting hazardous moving violations in Boone and Audrain counties.

Love it!

Kip Kendrick @Kip_Kendrick

a year ago

Boone County is implementing CommanderOne technology to improve the outdoor warning sirens by allowing for precise, zone-specific activations during severe weather. Sirens will sound only in areas directly impacted by NWS warnings, reducing over warnings. abc17news.com/weather/2025/0…

0 2 3 413 0

📢 Boone County EOC is activating to Level 3 this evening to monitor tonight’s severe weather. Stay weather-aware and follow trusted sources for updates. #BooneCountyMO #EOCActivation #MOwx

Claudia and I are deeply saddened to learn of the deaths and injuries caused by the tornadoes and severe storms that have affected much of the state today. Our prayers are with all those impacted. Thank you to the local first responders working to assist communities in St. Louis, Scott County, and across the state. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to assist this afternoon and our state agencies will continue to work with local partners to support the response and recovery throughout the night and for as long as it takes. The Missouri Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue team is deploying to the City of St. Louis to assist with search efforts.   Please avoid damage areas so that first responders can help people in need of assistance and so that public works crews can clear debris.   As we continue to monitor storm systems moving across the state tonight, please follow your local forecast closely, have several ways to receive weather warnings, and follow the advice of local officials.

Three heroes of Missouri’s fire service are being honored this weekend at the National Firefighters Memorial for making the ultimate sacrifice for their service. Tonight is the National Fallen Firefighters Candlelight Service.

keyboard_arrow_left Previous keyboard_arrow_right Next

@kremlincardinal We didn’t have any damage either, but I definitely noticed the rapid change in the wind as it was going by!

Ended less than a mile from my house! 🌪️