One Person Found Deceased in Hancock House Fire

PHOTOS: Hancock Fire Chief Josh Billings confirmed that one person was found deceased in a house fire early this (Friday) morning. Firefighters were called to a house fire in the 300 block of Kimball Street at around 3:00 a.m. Chief Billings said when they arrived on scene the two-story structure was fully involved. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Pottawattamie County Investigators are on scene. The home is a total loss. The Avoca and Oakland Fire Departments assisted the Hancock Fire Department on scene.
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Hinton fire chief calls for reopening of emergency rail crossing that adds 20 minute detour

VIDEO: An emergency train crossing near Hinton, Iowa, and just north of Sioux City, remains closed raising fears of a 20-minute detour if emergency services need to reach the area. Hinton’s fire chief is now calling on the railroad to reopen the crossing. This crossing is meant to be used when the main crossing, at U.S. Highway 75 and East Main Street, also known as County Road C60, is closed. But, right now, emergency vehicles will have to wait for trains to pass, or use a 20-minute detour. Trains rumble through Hinton between two and four times an hour, according to Fire Chief Cameron Peirce. And that’s bad news when emergency vehicles need to cross the railroad tracks owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). “It is life or death,” said Peirce. “So it takes 20 minutes to get there (with that) extra detour just to get across again.”
KTIV-TV NBC 4 Sioux City

Hudson firefighter killed in motorcycle crash

A community is mourning after a member of the Hudson Volunteer Fire & Rescue team was killed in a motorcycle crash Tuesday evening. According to police, 26-year-old Riley Gilbert was killed in a crash on April 16th, 2024. He reportedly struck a curb near the Fletcher Avenue traffic circle in wet and slippery conditions from recent rain. The motorcycle spun out, and Gilbert was thrown and struck a yield sign. When responders arrived, Gilbert was not breathing. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. In a message on their Facebook page, the Hudson Volunteer Fire & Rescue team gave their thoughts and prayers to Gilbert’s family.
KCRG-TV ABC 9 Cedar Rapids

Region: Highlighting the critical work of Iowa and Nebraska dispatchers during National Dispatchers Week

VIDEO: They are oftentimes the first line of defense in an emergency, yet many people don’t ever see their faces, just hear their voices. This week is National Dispatchers Week, a time to recognize 911 operators for their dedication and resilience in emergency situations. 911 dispatchers are the first line of first responders. While they aren’t out on the streets like firefighters, EMS crews, or police, they are a critical link in the chain when it comes to getting the help you need in an emergency and you will likely never know their names. In , Iowa, the Communications Center is the centralized hub for all emergency calls. “So all of the calls come to us both emergency and non-emergency. The dispatchers take those calls, and then determine what somebody needs and dispatches those resources, said Wendy Hess, Communications Center Director for Woodbury County.
KTIV-TV NBC 4 Sioux City