Waterloo Fire Department

07/13/2026

Date: July 13, 2026

From: Waterloo Fire Department

Subject: Appreciation for Multi‑Agency Support – July 10 Aircraft Crash Incident

To all assisting agencies, partners, and community supporters,

On behalf of the Waterloo Fire Department, we extend our deepest appreciation for the exceptional professionalism, dedication, and unified response demonstrated during the aircraft crash incident in rural Monroe County on July 10, 2026. This was a complex and challenging operation from the moment the call was dispatched at 2:34 a.m., and every agency involved rose to the occasion with unwavering commitment.

Despite severe weather, low visibility, and difficult terrain, your teams worked tirelessly to locate the aircraft, support search operations, and ensure the safety of responders throughout the incident. The strength of our regional partnerships was evident in every aspect of the response.

We wish to formally thank the following agencies and individuals for their critical roles:

-Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
-Waterloo Police Department
-Valmeyer Police Department
-Monroe County EMS
-Monroe County Emergency Management Agency – Mobile Command
-Hecker Fire Department
-Columbia Fire Department
-Valmeyer Fire Department
-Maeystown Fire Department
-Monroe County Coroner’s Office and staff
-Monroe County Dispatchers – whose exceptional communication and coordination were vital
-Illinois State Police
-MABAS Division 32
-Smithton Fire Protection District
-Freeburg Fire Department
-O’Fallon Fire Department
-Signal Hill Fire Department
-Mehlville Fire Protection District
-Swansea Fire Department
-Gateway Search and Rescue Dogs
-Randolph County Coroner’s Office
-St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office
-Brad Horn – for specialized air support
-Silo Bar & Grill – for extraordinary hospitality and use of their property as Incident Command

-And especially ARCH Air Medical, whose helicopter crew located the crash site at approximately 7:40 a.m., enabling the transition from search to recovery operations.

Your collective efforts—law enforcement, fire, EMS, EMA, drone teams, coroners, dispatchers, search‑and‑rescue specialists, and community partners—demonstrated the highest standards of public safety service. The deployment of the Mobile Command Unit, live drone video, aerial mapping, and coordinated search grids significantly enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

We also extend heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of Monroe County, who provided food, water, and encouragement throughout the day, and to Pastor Jamey Bridges, whose compassionate support for the victims’ family members brought comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.

Although the outcome of this incident was tragic, the unified response showcased the strength of our regional mutual‑aid system and the dedication of every agency involved. Your professionalism and willingness to serve reflect the very best of our public safety community.

Please accept our sincere appreciation for your partnership, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to protecting the people of Monroe County and the surrounding region.

Above all, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of the two victims who tragically lost their lives. Our hearts are with their loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We pray that they find strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead, and we remain committed to supporting them with dignity and respect as the investigation continues.

With respect and gratitude,
Chief Mike Lloyd
Waterloo Fire Department

06/16/2026

Arch 24 paid us a visit last night at our weekly training drill. They landed their helicopter at the engine house and gave all of the firefighters a thorough refresher tour of the equipment.

They covered all of the major components of the helicopter and things we could do as a fire department to help them on scenes where Arch support is needed. They also provided interactive classroom training that went more in depth on a number of safety topics.

We really appreciate them coming to the engine house and providing training. We never hope to have to be on a real scene with them, but it’s great being prepared for it!

04/15/2026

Come see us at the Home Alone Safety Program with Waterloo Police Department and Monroe County EMS!

Is your child ready to stay home alone?

Join us for a Home Alone Safety Class on Saturday, June 6 from 9:00–11:45 a.m. at Waterloo City Hall. Kids will learn important skills to stay safe, handle emergencies, and feel confident when home on their own.

Spots are limited—be sure to RSVP with your child’s name and age to [email protected].

Help your child be prepared, safe, and confident!

03/30/2026

In the afternoon our members refined their skills of rappelling using our ladder truck as a high point anchor followed by utilizing the entire mill height to use anchors at the top, negotiate the edge, and rappel down the side. This is very specialized training and are proud of the guys that went through the course.

03/29/2026

*FYI*
The Waterloo Fire Department is conducting a rope training exercise at the entrance to Waterworks in Waterloo this morning. There will be a lot of emergency vehicles and personnel present, but there is no need for alarm. Later in the day, the same training program will continue at the Mill next to the firehouse. Again, this is only a training exercise. Thank you.

03/10/2026

Last night at the weekly training drill, the Waterloo Fire Department worked on truck pump operations, as well as relay pumping and portable pumps . This is great real world scenario training as many of our rural coverage areas do not have immediate access to a fire hydrant.

There are many times when it’s needed to draft from an alternate water source when the water that is stored on the truck will not be enough (pond, swimming pool, or lake). We used the “supply” and “attack” pumper technique to have one truck feed another with a water source.

This training was a great refresher on how to deliver the water that’s needed when a fire hydrant is not always available, as well as re-familiarize operating the trucks in this configuration.

03/08/2026

With the time change this weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to check and test your smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors. Here are a few tips!

Test Immediately: Press the test button on all alarms to ensure they sound.

Replace Batteries: Change batteries in all detectors that use them to ensure they function properly.

Check Expiration Dates: Replace any smoke alarms that are over 10 years old (check the manufacture date on the back).

Install Everywhere: Ensure detectors are on every level of the home and in every bedroom.

"Chirp" Warning: If an alarm chirps, it is alerting you that the battery is low or the unit is failing.

Taking these simple steps during the time change can significantly increase home safety and protect your family from fire hazards

02/27/2026

Please be aware of elevated fire danger today! With the weather being warmer, it might be tempting to burn yard waste and brush, but please pay attention to the current conditions.

The combination of low humidity, gusty southwesterly winds, and dry vegetation will lead to Elevated to Critical Fire Danger today, meaning fires could easily get out of control. Therefore, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged today.

02/12/2026

On February 6th, some members of the Waterloo Fire Department participated in Ice Water Rescue training hosted by Marissa Fire Department. They were refreshed on a lot of material and learned a lot to bring back to our department. Thank you to the Marissa Fire Department for hosting the training and the hospitality.

On Monday night, we took advantage of that training and the ice at City Lakes. The firefighters passed on some knowledge they learned on Saturday, and the department got some really good hands on experience performing different ice rescue techniques with our gear. It was an excellent opportunity to train in real world conditions. We hope to never have to use it, but are thankful we are prepared if the need arises.

02/04/2026

FYI from Monroe County EMA