Joliet Police, Fire Departments Rescue Man from Des Plaines River

Dramatic early morning rescue caught on bodycam video

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:28pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a coiled, wet rescue rope against a stark black background, conveying the urgency and intensity of the water rescue operation.The water rescue equipment used by Joliet's first responders to keep the man afloat until he could be safely brought to shore.Joliet Today

A 25-year-old man was rescued from the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Illinois, around 4:25 a.m. on Thursday after officers heard him calling for help. Police used water rescue equipment and ropes to keep the man afloat until the Joliet Fire Department arrived with a rescue boat and safely brought him to shore. The man said he had slipped and fallen into the river and was not attempting self-harm.

Why it matters

The successful rescue highlights the close partnership and coordination between the Joliet Police and Fire Departments in responding to emergency situations and saving lives. It also underscores the importance of first responders being prepared and equipped to handle water rescues, which can be particularly dangerous and require specialized training and equipment.

The details

Officers in a parking lot near the Joliet Police Department heard the man yelling for help from the Des Plaines River around 4:25 a.m. They found him in the water on the west side of the river, near the southern end of the riverwalk in Bicentennial Park. Police used water rescue equipment and threw ropes to the man, who held on while waiting for the fire department to arrive. The fire department's rescue boat was then deployed, and the man was safely brought out of the river and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

  • The incident occurred around 4:25 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The man was rescued and taken to the hospital shortly after the initial 4:25 a.m. call.

The players

Joliet Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the emergency call and used water rescue equipment to keep the man afloat until the fire department arrived.

Joliet Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the scene and deployed a rescue boat to safely remove the man from the Des Plaines River.

25-year-old man

The individual who was rescued from the Des Plaines River after calling for help.

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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.”

— Bill Evans, Joliet Police Chief

“Every call we respond to is a team effort, and we rely on each other to achieve the best outcome.”

— Jeff Carey, Joliet Fire Chief

“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

What’s next

The Joliet Police Department and Fire Department will continue to work closely together to ensure they are prepared to respond effectively to water rescue emergencies in the future.

The takeaway

The successful rescue of the man from the Des Plaines River demonstrates the importance of strong coordination and teamwork between local law enforcement and fire departments in responding to emergencies and saving lives. It highlights the specialized training and equipment required for water rescues and the dedication of Joliet's first responders to serving their community.