On Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at 1410 hours, the City of Webster City Fire Department responded to a call of possible victims in the Boone River. Attack 36, Rescue Boat, and Truck 30 responded to the City Park River Access. Upon arrival, one of the victims was already out of the water and stated that there was still another that was hanging from a tree branch some ways down the river. Captain Brandon Hayes and Captain Jeromy Estlund quickly launched the boat and began down the river to the victim.
Just North of Ohio Street on the Boone River, Truck 30 met up with the City of Webster City Police Department Officer Sam Long and made contact with the individual. She was on a tree branch about fifteen feet from shore, hanging on, yet stating she did not know how much longer she could hold. The victim was reassured that help was here and she was going to be safe.
While the rescue boat was responding to the victim, a secondary downstream shore rescue team was established in the event the boat rescue was unsuccessful. At just before 1420 hours, Captains Hayes and Estlund maneuvered the boat downstream to the victim and Captain Hayes rescued her from the tree branch.
Van Diest Medical responded to check out the patient. After being evaluated by WCFD and Van Diest Medical personnel the patient was cleared with just minor bruises and scratches.
Because of the quick response and efforts of Captain Hayes and Captain Estlund and the Webster City Fire Department personnel, this situation had a good ending. The Webster City Fire Department is grateful to its members for the quick, professional response they made to the call.
Last modified: August 30, 2018