Watson Fire Protection District

05/23/2026

Thank you to Fire and Iron MC Station 64 for inviting us to lead you out of town on your 12th annual Willow Long memorial ride today. We will never forget that day and are honored to be apart of this special event.

05/21/2026

The Watson Fire Protection District would like to thank the Early Learning Center for the invitation to teach students about Fire Safety. It was a pleasure spending time with the students, teaching them important safety tips, and helping them learn what to do in an emergency. We appreciate the opportunity to connect with the community and encourage fire safety awareness at a young age.

05/18/2026

Always stay alert and be weather alert in case of an emergency.

Flash Flooding – With all the heavy downpours today and more forecast tomorrow, will you be ready if flash flooding should occur?
Make sure to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone. If flooding occurs while you’re outdoors, immediately get to higher ground, and NEVER enter flood waters in a vehicle or on foot.
Remember these flash flood safety tips:
• If a flash flood warning is issued for your area, or if there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.
• Do not drive into flooded areas.
• Do not disregard or drive around traffic barricades that close off flooded roadways.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.
• If you encounter floodwater: Turn Around, Don’t Drown®.

05/15/2026

On Tuesday, May 12th, the Watson Fire Protection District responded to a shed fire. Crews from 952 deployed two handlines to extinguish the fire, while 961 supplied water to 952. Unit 951 arrived shortly after to provide additional manpower. We would like to thank Effingham Fire and Shumway Fire for assisting with extinguishment.

05/04/2026

In recognition of International Firefighter Day,

The Watson Fire Department wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to every member of our organization. Your unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the safety and service of our community are truly commendable.

We acknowledge the long hours, personal sacrifices, and exceptional courage each of you demonstrates in the line of duty. Your continued service reflects the highest standards of our department, and we are honored to work alongside you.

Thank you for your outstanding contributions today and every day.

04/27/2026

When severe weather hits, it’s important for you to act quickly and stay calm. Move to a safe shelter such as a basement or an interior room away from windows, and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Stay updated through weather alerts and local emergency information, and have an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, flashlights, and a phone charger. Taking these steps can help keep you and your family safe during dangerous conditions.

04/14/2026

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Watson Fire Protection District wants to take a moment to sincerely thank all dispatchers for the incredible work you do every single day. You are the calm voice in chaos, the unseen lifeline connecting those in need with the help they depend on. Your professionalism, quick thinking, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Whether it’s handling high-stress emergencies or offering reassurance in someone’s worst moment, your impact is immeasurable. Thank you for your service, your strength, and your unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe.

04/01/2026

The Watson Fire Department took advantage of the great weather to conduct a controlled prairie burn for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) before the spring green-up. Our firefighters trained on back burning techniques as well as pump and hose operations for wildland fire response.

02/22/2026

We are deeply saddened by the loss of a brother in the fire service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his crew, and all who had the honor of serving alongside him.

Please keep the Bowen family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Jason W Bowen, age 40, of Farina, Illinois, passed away at 7:49 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Salem Township Hospital, Salem, Illinois.

Funeral Service will take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. Burial will take place in Keens Chapel Cemetery, Farina, Illinois. Kevin Kriesel will be officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to start of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Jason was born on August 21, 1985, the son of Robert and Corletta (Embry) Bowen. He married Ashley (Pontious) Bowen on December 13, 2008, at the Edgewood Christian Church, Edgewood, Illinois. Jason was a firefighter with Farina Fire Department, also he was Assistant Chief at Edgewood Fire Dept. for 12 of his 22 years with the fire service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing on his excavators, riding dirt bikes, crashing derby cars, and spending time with nieces and nephews. Family was the cornerstone of his life.

Jason is survived by his parents; Robert and Corletta Bowen of Edgewood, Illinois, Wife; Ashley Bowen of Farina, Sons; Levi Bowen of Farina, Illinois, Jacob Bowen (girlfriend Alli Koester), Jason Bowen and Rodney Bowen still at home, brother; Colby (wife, Allison) Bowen of Edgewood, Illinois, sister-in-law; Macci (husband, Jacob) Long of Altamont, Illinois, nieces and nephews; Zaiden Lock, Gannon Lock, Dalayna O’Hara, Paisley Long, Lilliana Bowen, Jameson Bowen. Also, his beloved cat Richard.

Jason was preceded in death by; Brother, Nathan Bowen, his Maternal Grandparents, Edsel and Patricia Bowen; Fraternal grandparents, William and Betty Embry; Mother-in-Law; Tracie Pontious, Brother-in-Law; Zach Lock, Niece; Makenna Bowen.

**There will be a firefighter walk-through at 9:30.**

01/31/2026

On Friday 1/30/2026. WFPD was dispatched to a train vs. 2 vehicle accident. 953 responded the driver was out of the vehicle before the accident and there were no injuries.

- Kyle Tatman