HCSO and OEM Rescued Stranded Motorists During Major Snow Storms Last Week

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) rescued numerous people stranded in the snowstorms last week after their vehicles became stuck in snowdrifts. Two snowstorms hit our area last week, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and below-zero temperatures with them. The strong winds caused significant drifting on all roadways, from city streets to state highways, and caused whiteout conditions. OEM Director Mat Schnepple said his team has access to several snowmobile clubs and IDNR snowmobiles if needed for emergencies, but they have not had to utilize snowmobiles in the 10 years he has been OEM Director. Director Mat Schnepple said they have a one-ton 4×4 pickup that they use in most rescues, which they used for the rescues last week. Additionally, the HCSO transitioned their patrol fleet to SUVs allowing them to reach stranded motorists. Director Schnepple said they would consider using their ATV/UTV or snowmobile options if someone was injured or had a medical emergency. However, these situations are infrequent, and the person’s vehicle is normally just stuck. If rescuers are unable to access the vehicle and their heat is working, these vehicles are prioritized for “first pull out” when the tow companies can resume their operations at first light or when conditions improve.

HCSO Sheriff Josh Verscheure and OEM Director Mat Schnepple want to thank their teams and volunteers for all the hard work and extra hours they gave to rescuing stranded motorists and getting them to safety. OEM Director Mat Schnepple said, “A special shout out to OEM volunteers who staff the Alternative housing unit, while the staff OEM deputies are out assisting other first responders and making rescues. Without these volunteers, we would be hard pressed.” The alternative housing unit is a new addition to the new OEM facility. Anyone rescued from their vehicles, especially people from out of the area, now has a dorm room to use to stay warm and safe until arrangements can be made the next day. Occupants from one vehicle and their dog were taken to the OEM Alternative Housing Unit after being rescued on Sunday night. Before the alternative housing unit, people were taken to gas stations for the duration of the storm.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office patrols approximately 826 square miles, which includes state highways, county highways, and township roads. Sheriff Josh Verscheure said, “I want to thank all the Henry County Sheriffs Office Employees on patrol, telecommunications, jail and kitchen staff who worked and continue to work through the recent weather and current dangerous temperatures. I also want to thank all the plow drivers (Dept of Transportation, Henry County Highway Department, and Townships/road commissioners), Office of Emergency Management, tow operators, and private citizens. All worked together wonderfully and it is an honor to work with all of you.” The HCSO asks for your patience while road crews work to clear the roads, which may take days, and while tow companies pull vehicles out of drifts and ditches. We also want to thank the snowplow drivers and tow truck drivers who helped the HCSO and OEM get to the stranded vehicles.