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

Multiple departments called to Toddville fire

Crews from multiple departments responded to a fire in Toddville early Tuesday morning. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says the fire broke out at 1:19 a.m. in the 3600-block of County Home Road. Crews arrived at the scene to find a camper and a homemade structure used for storage on fire. The camper and the storage structure along with the contents inside are a total loss. There were no injuries from the fire. The cause is under investigation. Linn County deputies along with crews from Monroe Township Fire, Robins Fire, Alburnett Fire, Palo Fire, Hiawatha Fire, and Hiawatha Ambulance responded to the fire.
KCRG-TV ABC 9 Cedar Rapids

Story County boy collecting stuffed animals to comfort kids during medical emergencies

VIDEO: A Story County boy is spending his spring break helping others by collecting stuffed animals for first responders. Tucker Hobbs was inspired to organize the drive after his little brother had to go to the hospital after a fall in November. What was a very scary situation was calmed when the ambulance crew gave Tucker's little brother a stuffed moose for comfort. Seeing how the stuffed moose — and later a stuffed cow gifted by hospital staff — made his brother feel better, Tucker decided he wanted to make sure other kids could be comforted during ambulance rides and hospital stays too. Tucker's Operation Emergency Cuddles stuffed animal drive will wrap up on Friday. He had a goal of collecting 50 stuffed animals, but so far, he's gotten 127.
KCCI-TV CBS 8 Des Moines