Sangamon Co. Rescue Squad

08/30/2026

Honoring a legacy of service and dedication. 🕊️

Our hearts have been heavy with the loss of our Chief, Terry Nydegger, but the strength of our team and community has carried us through.

From answering calls and staffing the State Fair races to deep-cleaning the station, hosting Chief Nydegger’s family and alumni, and standing watch until he was laid to rest—our members never stopped working to make him proud.

The Sangamon County Rescue Squad and OEM are deeply grateful for everyone who has reached out, showed up, and helped carry the torch forward. ❤️🚒

07/21/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Chief and longest-serving active SCRS member, Terry Nydegger.

Terry proudly served the citizens of Sangamon County with honor, dedication, and distinction for 48 years. Throughout countless emergencies over the decades, his calm presence, hands-on experience, and steady leadership helped save many lives and guided those around him through difficult situations.

His commitment to public service, his leadership, and his unwavering dedication to the community will be remembered by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Terry’s family, friends, and fellow members during this difficult time.

06/30/2026

❤️ ESSAYONS ❤️

🕒 8:53 PM on a Monday.

The standard workday ended hours ago, but the bays at the Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are just lighting up.

As the OEM director shuts down the office for this blue sky day, this photo captures the Volunteer Sangamon Co. Rescue Squad rolling back into the building for the night after training on rescuing divers or individuals in the water back into one of the four boats utilized for practice tonight. They officially start training at 6:30 PM, but they’re always here early—cleaning gear, checking equipment, and bonding as a team. They will be here until all the gear is cleaned and put back in its proper spot.

This building serves as our main base—officially known as OEM Post 3. Behind these doors, the daily office operations kick off at 8:30 AM at the latest and regularly blow right past a standard shift.

But it’s a much bigger machine than just what happens inside these walls. When weather watches go into effect, our dedicated volunteer rural fire departments step up as trained weather spotters throughout the county, working in perfect sync with the volunteer rescue squad and two paid OEM staff at Post 3.

Whether it's a beautiful, blue-sky Monday or we are actively tracking a severe weather watch or responding during some of the worst days for people impacted by tragedy, Sangamon County OEM and the Resque Squad is a non-stop, hard-working machine.

These men and women give up their family time, their evenings, and their energy to make sure our communities are protected. We couldn't be prouder of the team that stands ready for Sangamon County, day or night.

06/16/2026

UPDATE: This post is outdated.

INTENSE STORMS FORCAST: Current storm outlook for tomorrow with timetable. Tonight would be a good time to collect exterior items from porches and yards to prevent damage or blown away items. Monitor weather information closely tomorrow.

05/18/2026

04/17/2026

The National Weather Service is forecasting a enhanced risk (Level 3 or 5) severe weather today, Friday, April 17, 2026 from the afternoon - evening.

County Specific threats:
- Damaging Winds: 45 – 59% chance of gusts up to 75 mph
- Hail: 5 – 14% Potential for significant sizes.
- Tornadoes:
*NW part of the county: 5–9% probability of EF2+ strength
*SE part of the county: 2 – 4% probability of EF2+ strength
- Rainfall Leading to Flash Flooding
*Significant risk, at least 15%
*Some areas could get 2+ inches of rain

Storms expected between 3– 12 pm

Strongest storms are expected between 8– 11 pm