Code 3 Search and Rescue

Don't forget! TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 4, from 11 AM - 1 PM for the Back-to-School Giveaway!

Don't forget! Join us TOMORROW, Tuesday, August 4, from 11 AM - 1 PM for our Back-to-School Giveaway!

Students and teachers who drive through Matthew 25: Ministries' parking lot, located at 11060 Kenwood Road Blue Ash, OH 45242, will receive:
🎒 A backpack filled with school supplies for students
🍔 A bagged lunch for everyone in the vehicle

To help serve as many families as possible, backpacks will only be distributed to students and teachers who are present in the vehicle. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.

For more information, visit m25m.org/event/backtoschool/

Z is for Zero-Visibility conditions.

Fog, heavy rain, snow, and smoke can reduce visibility to near zero. That affects driving, hiking, and response operations. The safest move is often to slow down, increase spacing, and stop if you can’t see.

• Use low beams (high beams reflect back).
• Follow lane markings.
• If visibility is near zero, pull off safely and stop.

Visibility changes fast. Planning for it prevents crashes and close calls.

ℹ️ NWS Fog Safety Overview: https://www.weather.gov/safety/fog

Code 3 Search and Rescue extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues impacted by the tragic loss of Sergeant Scott Ries from the Rittman Police Department.

On the evening of the incident, around 9:30 p.m., Sergeant Ries was responding to a shots fired call near 90 Chippewa Trail in Rittman. Upon arrival, he and other law enforcement officers from the Rittman Police Department, Medina County Sheriff's Office, and Wayne County Sheriff's Office encountered immediate gunfire. Tragically, Sergeant Ries and four deputies from the Medina County Sheriff's Office were struck during this exchange. Sergeant Ries succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

In the aftermath, two deputies were transported to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition, while two others received treatment on-site. Additionally, a K-9 officer from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, who was also injured, remains in serious condition at a local animal hospital. Sadly, two other individuals lost their lives during this incident.

Sergeant Ries dedicated 10 years of service to the Rittman Police Department and had previously served as a deputy sheriff for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and as an officer with the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County. His commitment to duty and the community will always be remembered.

In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.

Y is for YOU.

Preparedness isn’t only gear. It’s judgment, pacing, and knowing your limits. Did you know, many outdoor emergencies happen when people push past daylight, weather changes, or fatigue?

• Plan ahead and Tell someone your plan.
• Turn around early if conditions change.
• Keep enough energy to get back safely.

Better decisions prevent emergencies for you and reduce risk for responders.

🇺🇸Happy 4th of July🇺🇸
Enjoy celebrating America's milestone 250th Independence Day anniversary today with family and friends!

HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THURSDAY.
Heat index values up to 105.

X is for X-Factors: the unexpected tools that make a big difference.

Sometimes it’s not the fanciest gear—it’s the simple, well-placed item that solves the problem: an extra light, a warm layer, a whistle, a battery pack, a reflective marker.

• If you’re outdoors: light + water + whistle + layers
• If you’re driving in winter: a blanket + traction aid
• If you're on the water: Personal Flotation Device (PFD) + whistle + throw bag

Small choices and simple tools add up to safer outcomes.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 369 IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT MONDAY FOR THE CINCINNATI TRI-STATE AREA. BE PREPARED.

Happy Father’s Day, dads! Thank you for all the sacrifices you make for your families and the joy you bring to them. Your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed, and today we celebrate you. Enjoy your special day!

W is for Weather Monitoring.

Weather isn’t background noise—it’s actionable information. Rain, wind, and temperature changes affect river levels, trail conditions, and visibility. Checking conditions before and during an outing helps prevent avoidable emergencies.

• Check forecast + radar before you go.
• In heavy rain, avoid creek crossings.
• Use trusted sources for river levels and flood forecasts.

The best rescue is the one that never has to happen.

ℹ️ NOAA National Water Prediction Service: https://water.noaa.gov/
ℹ️ USGS National Water Dashboard: https://dashboard.waterdata.usgs.gov/