Wood River City Council Meeting
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WOOD RIVER – Monday marked a night of recognition and commendations for members of the Wood River Police and Fire Departments.
Mayor Tom Stalcup read several letters of commendation addressed to the city’s police and fire personnel at the Aug. 3, 2026 City Council meeting.
The first honored Captain Kristopher Ayers of the Wood River Fire Department for his retirement from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Sergeant First Class after 20 years of service. Ayers remains a member of the Fire Department.
“Throughout his military career, he answered the call wherever duty required – from humanitarian missions in Belize, to wildland firefighting during the California Indian Fire, to two combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve,” Fire Chief Nate Kamp wrote in the letter honoring Ayers. “His leadership has strengthened our department, inspired those that have served alongside him, and positively impacted the community we are honored to protect.”
Police Chief Brad Wells commended multiple officers in a letter for their lifesaving actions on May 29, 2026, when they responded to “a medical emergency involving an unresponsive and non-breathing 68-year-old male” and began administering CPR without hesitation.
“Despite an unexpected delay in the arrival of fire and EMS personnel, you continued providing lifesaving care … for nearly 30 minutes until additional medical personnel arrived,” Wells wrote in his letter. “Your quick thinking, composure, and determination directly contributed to the victim regaining a pulse before being transported to the hospital.”
The letter was addressed to each of the officers involved in the response, including Sgt. Bryan Brown, Officer Nicole Morris, and Officer Katie Castelli.
Another commendation letter from Wells honored Detective Jeff Fester for his assistance to the Carlyle Police Department through the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis during a death investigation earlier this year. He said the detective’s actions showed a willingness to serve the public beyond the Wood River community.
“Your prompt response and investigative support were instrumental in helping the department conduct an effective and organized investigation,” Wells wrote in his letter. “Your actions brought credit upon yourself and the Wood River Police Department. Thank you for your outstanding service and continued commitment to excellence.”
Wells and Patrol Commander Aaron Burns also submitted a joint letter of recognition for Police Cadet Hailey Schultz highlighting her “exceptional work ethic, professionalism and willingness to take on responsibilities well beyond [her] normal duties as a police cadet.”
A full recording of the Aug. 3, 2026 Wood River City Council meeting is available at the top of this story or on Riverbender.com/video.
