No injuries in two water rescues

Military historian recalls interviews about D-Day veterans

An aerial shot of downtown Mokane, taken by a Callaway County Sheriff's Office drone, shows extensive flooding affecting several buildings. Drivers are urged not to risk driving through standing water.
An aerial shot of downtown Mokane, taken by a Callaway County Sheriff's Office drone, shows extensive flooding affecting several buildings. Drivers are urged not to risk driving through standing water.

Callaway County first responders aided in two water rescues in the south part of the county Tuesday, according to Callaway County Emergency Medical Services.

Jefferson City Fire Department, Holts Summit Fire Protection District and South Callaway Fire Protection District were involved in the responses.

Details about the exact location of the incidents and the rescues themselves were not immediately clear.

"We were dispatched to a stranded motorist along water-covered Highway 94," HSFPD Fire Chief Jason Turner said.

Callaway CountyEMS Director Charles Anderson said no one was injured in either incident. Water rescues are dangerous scenarios for first responders and those in need of rescue, he said.

"If they have to get into the flood water, they risk exposure to contaminants in the flood water," he said. "If they're in an area where the water is moving, that creates additional risks and requires specialty training to conduct those types of rescues. It's really just best if people could think and stay out of the flood water. I don't know why everyone thinks 'oh, I could drive through there.'"

SCFPD Chief Jeff Wallendorf said flooding prevented his crews from actually reaching the scene of the rescue.

As of 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, the Missouri River stood at 33.27 feet at Jefferson City - a full 10 feet above flood stage. The entirety of Missouri 94 in Callaway County is closed due to flooding, and multiple gravel roads are affected as well.

Don't even think about commuting by canoe. Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard shut down water travel along the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis. The closure prohibits commercial and recreational traffic. Coast Guard officials cited strong currents and hidden and floating hazards as reasons.