The assistant chief for the Boone County (MO) Fire Protection District died during rescue operations in a flood, according to online reports.
Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Mathew Tobben was assisting the Columbia Fire Department during a swiftwater rescue operation at Rangeline Street and Bear Creek early this morning, according to a social media post from Chief Scott Olsen.
The firefighters had rescued two individuals when the zodiac boat overturned; Assistant Chief Tobben was thrown from the boat and drowned. The Columbia firefighter and the two victims originally rescued were able to be rescued and are doing all right, the post noted.
“Firefighters regularly risk their lives to save others. Tragically, sometimes it costs them their lives,” the Missouri Division of Fire Safety posted on the social media platform X.
