LODDS

Boone County, MO, Assistant Fire Chief Dies During Water Rescue

July 8, 2024

Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matt Tobben was tossed overboard when his boat flipped.

668c0d34113e1e03d93ef6a4 Boone County Fire Rescue

An assistant fire chief died during a water rescue operation Monday in Missouri.

Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Fire Chief Matt Tobben was assisting two victims when he was tossed into the water when his boat overturned, according to KMIZ.

"The firefighters had rescued two individuals when the zodiac boat overturned and 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 ok," Fire Chief Scott Olsen wrote on the department's Facebook page.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.