04/16/2026
On April 14th around 10:40 PM, your Tri-Twp FFs were dispatched to an ATV accident during a severe thunderstorm. The only information that the victims could provide, was that they thought that they were wrecked in a field near Fergus Road and Gasper Road. First responders from the Saginaw County SO, MSP Post 31, St. Charles PD and MMR converged in that vicinity.
The accident site could not be initially located. A frantic search ensued in all directions of that intersection. Saginaw County 911 utilized the caller's cellular data and determined that the crash site would be north of Fergus on Gasper Rd.
The fields were flooded and extremely muddy. The rain was heavy and the wind was intense. Due to the anticipated location of the site, fire apparatus and ambulances had to remain staged near Fergus and Gasper. First responders and LE agencies, utilizing 4WD vehicles, a commandeered ATV from Retired FF Ken Theile, and POV's responded to the updated report of the crash site, which was about a half mile from the main roads. Still the accident site was not located. The first responders then set out on a grid search, that was executed by walking the fields, and through the use of 4WD vehicles to locate the two victims. Eventually, YOUR first responders could hear the agonizing screams of both injured parties.
Medics from MMR were trucked into the crash site, via 4WD trucks, with lifesaving equipment. Both parties were triaged and stabilized. The arduous task of transporting them from the crash site to the awaiting ambulances was a challenge. Both victims were placed into the backs of pickups. The rain-soaked terrain was treacherous, and the weather was not cooperating.
At 11:48 PM, while the victims were being transported to the casualty collection point via pick-ups, Saginaw County 911 notified us that we were under a tornado warning, and that we were in the potential path of the funnel cloud.
Personnel at the staging area/casualty collection point were ordered to shelter in their emergency apparatus. First responders still at the crash site were ordered to find a low spot for protection. Meanwhile the victims continued to be transported to the ambulance.
Eventually, the victims were transferred to the awaiting ambulances with life threatening injuries. They were immediately evacuated to a local hospital.
With the victims no longer were harm's way, your TRI-TWP FFs began the task of pulling out stuck police vehicles, that had become stuck in the fields. And at the same time, the tornado passed by.
Rain soaked, muddy and tired, your Tri-Twp FFs were far from being able to return home.
Their next task?
They immediately responded to assist the Albee TWP FD with a house-to-house search, where the tornado had apparently touched down about a mile away, causing devastating damage.
In the end? Both victims were evacuated and transported to a hospital for treatment. No injuries were reported to any of the first responders. Our neighbors in Albee Township, were all accounted for. The tornado injured no one that we are aware of. For a complex extrication, and a tornado response at the same time? We will take the win.
Why did more than 50% of YOUR Tri-Twp FFs show up to rescue strangers during a tornado? Because it is what OUR community expects. And this is what OUR commnity deserves.
A huge shout out to Saginaw County 911 for assisting in locating the crash site. Happy telecommunications week to each and every one of you. Thank you for always having that calm voice, while we are knee deep in chaos.
St. Charles Police Department - Michigan
