UNION, Mo. — The Boone County Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben, 42, was laid to rest on Saturday after his funeral at the East Central College.
Tobben was working alongside a Columbia firefighter during a water rescue operation when the boat they were on overturned. The longtime fireman was thrown from the boat and drowned.
"He was a man like no other man. His heart and drive was simple; It was to provide for his family and help others. No matter the consequences," said Jeremy Lasswell, Tobben's best man and fellow firefighter in Union.
The husband and father of two served at the Union Fire Protection District for 19 years before he was appointed to assistant fire chief in Boone County Fire Protection District in 2024.
"He had such a presence of confidence to him. Rarely would he hesitate with his actions. Hold back his thoughts or miss an opportunity to ask good questions," said another fireman.
"Assistant Chief Tobben never faltered in the face of adversity. He defined the word hero," another person said.
Hundreds filled the gym at the college to pay respects at the dedication of life.
"Rest easy brother. We have it from here. Keep the campfire lit, the golfball teed up and the beers on ice and we'll meet again. On God's course where every drive is a hole in one," Lasswell said.
Tobben's death was reportedly the second flooding-related drowning in Boone County in the last week.