KEOKUK, IOWA / VOLUNTEER SEARCH & RESCUE Emergency? Call 911
Keokuk Volunteer Emergency Corps

OPERATIONS

Our operations.

We assist with river emergencies and local incidents alongside the agencies responsible for the response.

01 / RIVER OPERATIONS

River search & rescue

We assist with search and rescue on the Mississippi River, including searches in floodwater and along the riverbank.

In July 2024, we joined a multiagency search for a kayaker near Hamilton. A Hamilton police officer located the missing man, and EMS provided care after he was brought ashore.

Read the July 2024 report (opens a new tab)
02 / RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

Respectful recovery support

We have assisted with river recovery operations, including the July 2020 recovery near Sandusky.

We approach recovery work with care for those involved and respect for their families. The responsible investigating agency provides information about individual incidents.

Read the Sandusky report (opens a new tab)
03 / INCIDENT SUPPORT

Support at emergency scenes

We provided traffic control at the Westport Terrace apartment fire in December 2021 and assisted Keokuk Fire at The Crossing church fire in September 2026.

Our support assignments depend on the needs of the incident and the agencies managing it.

Read the Westport Terrace coverage (opens a new tab)

For the public

If someone is missing, in danger, or involved in a water emergency, call 911. Report the location and what you observed. Keep access clear for responders and follow instructions from public safety personnel.

For agencies

Use established dispatch and agency coordination channels for active incidents. For administrative questions or advance coordination, contact us by email.

Contact KVEC
Historic view along the upstream side of Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk
Lock and Dam 19, 1987 · Peter A. Rathbun / Historic American Engineering Record · Public domain.

OUR RIVER COMMUNITY

A working river.
A place that requires care.

Keokuk’s riverfront includes a lock, dam, bridges, and commercial navigation. Understanding the setting is part of respecting the river.

Water & flood safety