Mid-Missouri Sheriff's Dive Team

12/27/2025

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***Update*** Both Canoers have been located and are being returned to the Shore. ***
Water Rescue Underway on the Missouri River.
Sheriff’s deputies with Chamois Fire Protection District are currently conducting a water rescue operation on the Missouri River after receiving a call from two individuals who went canoeing yesterday and were unable to return safely.
The individuals contacted dispatch and provided a GPS location, reporting they are lost, tired, and cold. Deputies have been dispatched to the area and are working to locate and safely recover both canoes and occupants.

06/03/2025

🚨 VOTE FOR LANDRY! 🚨

Friends and family — we need your support! My amazing daughter Landry is in the running and every single vote counts. 💪💙

Please take just a second to click the link below and cast your vote. It’s quick, easy, and would mean the world to us!

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Let’s show Landry how much love and support she has behind her. Share this and help us spread the word! 🙌👑

Select the photo on the belle fair page and click like. Thank you.

77th Annual Belle Fair Queen Candidate

Hello, my name is Landry Heitman. I’m 18 years old and just graduated Belle High School. My plans after is attending State Technical College for Agricultural Operations- Business. I was the 2025 recipient for the Belle Fair Scholarship. I am the daughter of Sara and Seth Parker, and Chris Heitman. I have an older stepbrother and two younger sisters. Some hobbies of mine I enjoy is hanging out with friends and just playing cards. I also spray paint, hunt and fish. I want to be the 2025 Belle Fair Queen because I love our community and giving back. To me, this opens up more opportunity and chance to not only give back to my community but be a positive role model for the younger generation. Something I love most about the Fair is on Saturday afternoon during the livestock sale is watching our community show up and support 4-H and FFA members. I’ve been in 4-H for 9 years throughout those 9 years I have sold swine, ham, and bacon. It has always amazed me and warmed my heart to see our community continuous support.

05/23/2025

Osage County Sheriff’s Marine Unit and Mid-Missouri Sheriffs Dive Team Conduct Joint Training Exercise

Osage County, MO – On the evening of May 22, the Osage County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, in coordination with the Mid-Missouri Sheriffs Dive Team, conducted a joint training exercise in the Osage River at the Mari-Osa Access.

The operation focused on enhancing response capabilities for water rescues, underwater recovery, and search operations in swift water conditions. Team members ran a variety of skill-based drills, including diver deployment from boats, sonar navigation, victim recovery simulations, and entrapment drills—all under realistic, low-visibility conditions.

Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham and Sheriff (Ret.) Chris Heitman were both on-site to oversee the training. Sheriff Bonham emphasized the importance of preparedness, stating, “Training like this ensures our teams are ready when it matters most.” Sheriff (Ret.) Heitman, who plays a key role in the dive team’s operations, added, “We train like lives depend on it—because they do. These teams are dedicated, skilled, and ready to respond when every second counts.”

This collaboration between agencies reflects a continued commitment to public safety and inter-agency readiness across Mid-Missouri.

04/10/2025

04/10/2025

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04/09/2025

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Click here for an update from Public Safety Training LLC!

03/28/2025

Community Hero Michael McFerron Helps Leads Effort to Recover Missing Karen Schepers' Vehicle

**Elgin, IL** – In a remarkable display of dedication and bravery, Michael McFerron of the Mid-Missouri Sheriff’s Dive Team volunteered his services—at his own expense—to assist in the recovery of the vehicle belonging to missing person Karen Schepers from the Fox River. This significant breakthrough came on March 24, 2025, when the submerged vehicle was discovered by Chaos Divers in conjunction with the Elgin Police Department.

Working alongside the Elgin Fire Department, they successfully retrieved the vehicle, which was immediately towed by Redmon’s Towing to the Kane County Coroner’s Office. The coroner has since confirmed that human remains were found inside the vehicle.

While forensic testing is still needed to definitively identify the remains, this development marks a crucial turning point in a case that has remained cold for over four decades. Law enforcement will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Schepers' disappearance, and they remain committed to uncovering the truth for her family.

Michael McFerron, who is also an instructor at Scuba Adventure, has demonstrated extraordinary commitment by taking on this challenging task. His expertise in scuba diving, combined with his selfless nature, has been instrumental in bringing them closer to answers. Michael’s willingness to go above and beyond to support the families of the missing exemplifies the heroism that lies within the community.

The deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Karen Schepers as they navigate this difficult time. Authorities express gratitude for their trust as they help them seek answers after so many years of uncertainty.

This recovery highlights the strength of teamwork and collaboration among various agencies and dedicated individuals. Together, they can bring hope and closure to those who have waited far too long.

10/04/2024

Sheriff Mike Bonham is committing his time to further enhance his skills in marine safety by attending the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Instructor Course. This specialized training, known as Inland Boat Operations & Marine Patrol Fundamentals (IBO-MPF) Train the Trainer, is designed to equip law enforcement officers with essential life-saving boating skills and recovery techniques.

The course aims to improve the proficiency of marine patrol personnel, ensuring they are well-prepared to respond effectively to emergencies on the water. Sheriff Bonham’s participation in this training underscores his dedication to public safety and his commitment to providing the highest level of service to the community.

"By enhancing our capabilities in marine operations, we can better protect our citizens and ensure their safety while enjoying our waterways," said Sheriff Bonham. "This training will allow us to respond more effectively to boating incidents and improve our overall emergency response efforts."

Sheriff Bonham’s involvement in the NASBLA course reflects a proactive approach to law enforcement, recognizing the importance of continuous training and skill development in an ever-evolving environment.

I appreciate your dedication Sheriff Bonham!

-Sheriff Chris Heitman

08/16/2024

Michael McFerron making us proud again! He volunteered his time off to go try and help to recover someone’s loved one.

Proud of you!

07/08/2024

A Boone County firefighter died Monday morning during a swift water rescue effort.

Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben died while the Boone County Fire Protection District was conducting rescue efforts Monday near Rangeline Street and Big Bear Boulevard in northern Columbia.

The rescue was one of many in a joint effort between the Columbia Fire Department and the fire protection district.

During the rescue where Tobben died, the boat lost power and flipped over. One Columbia firefighter and two civilians were able to get to safety, however Tobben drowned as a result of the boat capsizing. By the end of this particular effort, five civilians and one dog were rescued.

06/16/2024

Our divers often work behind the scenes to recover lost individuals, providing closure to families.

In the challenging environment of the Missouri River, where multiple vehicles are submerged, Diver Michael McFerron bravely searched for a missing person's car. Your commitment to our team and your willingness to serve the community are truly appreciated.