08/22/2026
Union County is very blessed to be able to help our neighbors and our neighbors are always quick to help us. Thank you to everyone involved.
For Immediate release:
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community and Public Safety Partners
Our Department would first like to once again extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this tragic and difficult incident. Throughout this event, we have expressed our appreciation for the tremendous support shown by our community, and we cannot say “thank you” enough. Today, however, we would like to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary individuals within our community and surrounding areas who gave so much of themselves during this difficult time.
This incident placed an incredible demand on our public safety personnel. What began as a response developed into a lengthy and emotionally challenging operation, presenting our responders with extreme heat, weather advisories, storms, hazardous river conditions, and numerous other obstacles. Beyond the physical demands, there was also the emotional weight that came with the nature of this incident.
Through every challenge, our responders remained committed, professional, and determined. They continued to show up, continued to work, and continued to support one another and the families affected. They represented the very best of public service.
Throughout the operation, we consistently had no fewer than 15 to 20 personnel on scene at any given time, with many times seeing significantly more than that number of people show up simply because they wanted to help. Day after day, members of our public safety agencies and community volunteers continued to show up, ready and willing to help in whatever way they could. At least three boats remained on the water throughout the operation, and at times, as many as nine boats were actively involved. We were also fortunate to receive assistance from agencies in neighboring counties and other states, while several additional agencies reached out and offered their assistance if needed. Collectively, the departments and agencies involved contributed approximately 1,950 man-hours to this effort.
That number is significant on its own, but what makes it even more meaningful is that the overwhelming majority of those hours were provided by volunteers. These are individuals who left their families, jobs, and personal responsibilities behind to answer a call for help. They did so without expecting recognition or compensation. Their reward was simply knowing they were doing what they could to serve their community and help others during one of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
That commitment should never be overlooked.
There are far too many individuals to recognize by name, but we want every person and every organization involved to know that their efforts were seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. Every department, agency, organization, and individual brought their best to this operation. Each played an important role, and each contributed to the overall effort in ways that mattered.
We also want our community to understand just how fortunate we are to have people willing to step forward when their community needs them most. The men and women who responded did not simply perform a duty—they gave their time, their energy, and, in many cases, carried an emotional burden that will stay with them long after this operation has ended.
To every member of our emergency services community who answered the call, we simply want to say thank you. Whether you were on the water, on the shore, coordinating operations, providing support, or standing ready to assist wherever needed, your dedication and willingness to serve made a difference. Your commitment during this difficult time will not be forgotten.
Thank you for answering the call.
Thank you for standing in the heat and the storms.
Thank you for working through difficult and uncertain conditions.
Thank you for supporting one another.
And most importantly, thank you for being willing to serve when your community needed you.
Our Department is truly humbled by the dedication, professionalism, and compassion displayed throughout this entire operation. We are proud to stand alongside each of you, and we are grateful beyond words for the commitment you demonstrated to our community and to those affected by this tragedy.
To every person who helped in any way—please know that your efforts mattered, and they will not be forgotten.
Agencies and Organizations Who Assisted
Black Township Fire and Rescue
Point Township Fire Department
Mount Vernon Fire Department
Marrs Township Fire Department
Griffin Fire Department
Perry Township Fire Department
Shawneetown Fire Department
Evansville Fire Department
Uniontown Water Rescue
Vincennes Township Fire Department
Boonville Fire Department
Indiana Conservation Officers
Posey County EMS
Posey County Community Paramedic
Posey County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
Posey County 911
Posey County Coroner’s Office
Posey County Sheriff’s Office
Mount Vernon Police Department
Evansville Police Department
Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office
Union County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
Crittenden County, Kentucky EMA and Water Rescue
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife
Mount Vernon Mayor’s Office
Mount Vernon School Superintendent and Staff Throughout the Mount Vernon School District
Posey County Co-op
Marathon Petroleum Terminal
Black’s Towing
Andy Alldredge – Searching with Ultralight Aircraft
Crew of the Motor Vessel Dodson Thornton – Rescued one of the juveniles before our responding units were able to reach them
