Wednesday marks two years since death of Matthew Tobben

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Wednesday marked two years since the death of Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben.

BCFPD honored Tobben on Wednesday by lowering its flags at half-staff.

“We honor his memory and remain committed to carrying forward the values he exemplified throughout his career,” BCFPD Fire Chief Doug Westhoff said in a press release. “We will never forget Assistant Chief Matt Tobben or the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.”

Tobben, 42, died during a water rescue on July 8, 2024, when his boat lost power and capsized near Bear Creek.

Columbia firefighter Derek Abbott and the two people rescued were thrown into the water and emerged, but Tobben never resurfaced. An autopsy determined Tobben drowned.

Tobben served with BCFPD, Missouri Task Force 1 and the Union Fire Protection District during his 19-year career.