Mo. assistant chief dies after boat capsizes during water rescue

By Bill Carey
FireRescue1

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Boone County Fire Protection District officials reported their assistant fire chief died during a water rescue in north Columbia.

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Tobben died on July 8 while rescuing two people from floodwaters near Bear Creek and Rangeline Roads, just north of Interstate 70, KRCG reported.

Tobben and a Columbia firefighter had rescued two people when the boat they were in lost power and capsized.

The department stated that the Columbia firefighter and the two individuals were doing okay.

Trending

September 11, 2001

9/11 health program wins permanent funding but staffing cuts threaten care

Lifetime funding secured for the WTC Health Program, but layoffs and a hiring freeze are delaying care

February 28, 2026 12:00 PM

Recruitment and Retention

Ore. FD cadet program changes high school senior’s career path

An 18-year-old Baker High School student is set on becoming a firefighter and EMT after joining the Baker City Fire Department’s new cadet program

February 28, 2026 08:00 AM

Mutual and Automatic Aid

Mutual aid agreement set to end after Wash. fire chief, firefighters resign

A key mutual aid agreement will end amid liability concerns after the chief and 16 volunteers resigned from Lewis County Fire District 18

March 01, 2026 08:00 AM

Off Duty

Calif. fire captain returns for ‘Survivor 50' as fan-voted season kicks off

After a breakout run in Season 48, Sacramento fire captain Joe Hunter is back in Fiji for the franchise’s milestone 50th season

March 01, 2026 12:00 PM