Matthew Tobben

Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben died in the line of duty on July 8, 2024, at the age of 42. Tobben was assisting the Columbia Fire Department with a water rescue on Bear Creek in Columbia. The team had rescued two individuals when their boat lost power and overturned. Tobben was thrown into the water and sadly never resurfaced. 

Tobben grew up in Franklin County, Missouri. After graduating from high school, he continued his education at East Central College, studying paramedic technology and fire technology, and later attended Ashland University, earning his B.A. in organizational management.

Tobben began his career as a volunteer firefighter for the Union Fire Protection District in 2005 and was hired full-time by the department in 2008. During this time, he also worked for Union Ambulance District and St. Clair Ambulance District as an EMT. In 2019, the Union Fire Protection District promoted Tobben to Assistant Chief.

He also served on Missouri Task Force 1 for 12 years, was a task force Leader for St. Louis Metro Task Force 5 (USAR), and a board member for the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS), as well as a member of many other emergency response organizations.

Tobben left the Union Fire Protection District after being appointed the Assistant Chief for training with the Boone County Fire Protection District in May 2024.

Tobben was always striving to learn as much as possible. He had this intense drive to better his department, himself, and everyone around him. It was always a joke to say that if there was a certification to be had, Tobben had probably already obtained it.

Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben is survived by his wife of nearly 15 years, Jackie, and their two sons, Jack and Henry. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Tobben family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.