Joliet First Responders Rescue Man from Des Plaines River

Police and fire personnel worked together to pull the man to safety after he fell into the water

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a water rescue rope or other physical evidence from the scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The tools and equipment used by Joliet's first responders to pull a man from the Des Plaines River highlight the coordination and preparedness required for water rescues.Joliet Today

Early Thursday morning, Joliet police officers heard a man's cries for help and quickly located him in the Des Plaines River. The officers deployed rescue equipment and held the man afloat until the Joliet Fire Department arrived to assist. Fire department personnel entered the water, determined the man was too weak to climb out on his own, and used a rescue boat to safely pull him from the river. The 25-year-old Joliet resident was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the strong partnership and coordination between the Joliet Police Department and Joliet Fire Department, demonstrating their commitment to working together to serve the community and respond effectively to emergencies. It also underscores the importance of first responders being prepared to handle water rescues in a city with a major river running through it.

The details

According to the Joliet Police Department, an officer in a parking lot to the west of the police department heard a male voice calling for help around 4:25 a.m. Additional officers helped locate the man in the water on the west side of the Des Plaines River near the southern end of the riverwalk in Bicentennial Park. Officers deployed water rescue equipment and threw ropes to the man, who was able to hold on until the fire department arrived. Fire department personnel entered the water and determined the man was too weak to climb a ladder, so they used a rescue boat to safely pull him from the river.

  • The incident occurred around 4:25 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • The man was rescued from the Des Plaines River shortly after the officers located him.

The players

Joliet Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the emergency call and initiated the rescue effort.

Joliet Fire Department

The local fire department that assisted in the water rescue, sending personnel into the river to pull the man to safety.

25-year-old Joliet resident

The man who fell into the Des Plaines River and was rescued by the first responders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In Joliet, our first responders depend on one another, and this incident is a powerful example of that partnership in action. Our officers quickly located the individual and took immediate steps to keep him safe until the Joliet Fire Department arrived. Together, they worked seamlessly to bring him out of the water. This is what our community can expect, when someone is in need, Joliet's first responders will show up, work together, and do everything possible to serve our community.”

— Bill Evans, Joliet Police Chief

“This rescue highlights the trust and coordination that exists between the Joliet Fire Department and the Joliet Police Department. Every call we respond to is a team effort, and we rely on each other to achieve the best outcome. In this case, officers kept the individual afloat, and our crews were able to quickly intervene and safely remove him from the water. Our message to the community is very simple, your first responders will never cease working together to help those in need.”

— Jeff Carey, Joliet Fire Chief

What’s next

The police department is continuing to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances surrounding the man's fall into the river.

The takeaway

This rescue operation demonstrates the strong collaboration and coordination between the Joliet Police Department and Joliet Fire Department, showcasing their commitment to working together to protect and serve the community. It also underscores the importance of first responders being prepared to handle water emergencies in a city with a major river running through it.