Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District

08/20/2026

Training with the Probies!

08/17/2026

Over the last several days, members from multiple departments throughout the county and Central Illinois assisted in the search for a missing 17-year-old. From the time of the initial 911 call until today, our absolute focus was to locate them, and our ultimate hope was to bring them home alive.

To the family mourning the loss of a loved one, we offer our deepest condolences. We know words can only carry so far right now, but our thoughts are with you.

We are incredibly grateful for our community, our neighbors, assisting departments and the countless people who poured their time, effort, and energy into this search. It was a massive team effort to ensure we could recover this individual.

As we process this incident, we must remind the public of the severe dangers of driving through standing water. With the recent heavy rains and many roads still covered, it is critical that drivers do not attempt to navigate through flooded roadways. Please find an alternate route.

Condit Township – On Monday, August 17, 2026 at approximately 11:30am, the driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old boy from Rantoul, was found deceased in the water approximately a mile from where the vehicle left the roadway.

We extend our deep condolences to the family. We would like to also thank the multiple departments and resources that came together to assist the Sheriff’s Office in the search.

• Sangamon Valley Fire Protection District
• Cornbelt Fire Protection District
• Cornbelt Dive Rescue Team
• Mahomet Police Department
• Rantoul Fire Department
• Rantoul Police Department
• El Paso (IL) Dive Rescue Team
• Illinois Conservation
• Illinois State Police
• Champaign County Search and Rescue Volunteers
• Champaign Police Department
• University of Illinois Police Department
• Champaign County Emergency Management Agency
• Arrow Ambulance Service
• Airlife
• McLean County Search and Rescue K9 team
• Savoy Fire
• Illinois Fire Service Institute
• METCAD 911
• Any others who we are missing in this list

08/17/2026

Please see the official press release below regarding the ongoing water rescue operation in Condit Township.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the countless local agencies assisting with these efforts.

CRITICAL SAFETY REMINDER: Please DO NOT attempt to search the area yourself. Water levels remain extremely high and conditions are dangerous. We ask the public to stay clear so first responders can operate safely and prevent further incidents..

🚨 PRESS RELEASE 🚨

Condit Township – On Saturday, August 15, 2026 at approximately 4:50pm, METCAD 911 was notified of a vehicle that had left the roadway on CR 1000E at approximately 2850N in Condit Township. The driver of the vehicle stated the vehicle was filling up with water. Emergency responders from several local police agencies and fire departments were dispatched to the scene. METCAD had lost contact with the driver before first responders arrived on scene, which was approximately ten minutes after the call was received.

An immediate search for the vehicle and driver started in a large drainage ditch at this location. This search involved responders from various local police agencies, fire departments, EMS agencies, Airlife, the Cornbelt Dive & Rescue Team and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources utilizing ATVs, boats equipped with sonar, and drones.

On Sunday, August 16, 2026 at approximately 11am, a submerged vehicle was removed from the flooded ditch however the driver was not located. A search of the area for the driver continues.

We ask that the community let first responders take the lead on the search. There are multiple different resources being used in this search. The area being searched is dangerous because the water is still very high and the current is fast, leading to unstable conditions. We don’t want anyone to be put in danger unnecessarily.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

08/15/2026

Avoid the area of the Dewey Fisher Rd and 1000e. There is an active emergency scene.

08/15/2026

Rt 136 is temporarily closed between IL 47 and at least CR 300E (West of 47) due to flooding.

08/15/2026

🚨 SAFETY NOTICE: RISING RIVER LEVELS

While floodwaters are beginning to recede from ditches and local roadways, that runoff is heading straight into our creeks and rivers. Expect river levels to continue rising over the next several hours.

Key Reminders:

- Exercise caution on bridges: High, fast-moving water can impact debris flow and visibility.

- Don't drop your guard: Improved road conditions do not mean the flood threat has passed.

- Turn Around, Don't Drown: Never drive through standing water across roadways.

08/15/2026

1st Street between Park and Randolph is NOT passable. Do not attempt to drive through. The water will only continue to rise.

08/15/2026

Roads are starting to flood. Do NOT drive around unless absolutely necessary. Be cautious of standing water.

07/21/2026

Training last night at Cornbelt Fire Protection District. We are always grateful that we get to partner with them and learn from their talented and knowledgeable members.

07/16/2026

Thanks to United Prairie LLC for allowing us to tour the Dewey facility and providing us dinner!