On Monday night, May 18, 2026, Officers Blake Jones and Hunter Clark of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department responded to a severe semi-truck fire at the Meskwaki Travel Plaza. Their swift action in waking sleeping drivers and fighting a spreading third blaze successfully saved at least five lives and moved 20 trucks to safety.
The incident began near midnight when the Meskwaki Police Department was dispatched to the Meskwaki Travel Plaza for a semi-truck on fire.
When they arrived, they found two semi-trucks already engulfed, with high winds pushing flames toward other parked trucks. Their swift action included waking sleeping drivers who were in the trucks, assured others’ safety as a third truck caught fire, and continued working alongside other emergency personnel to control the blaze. In all, an estimated 20 semi-trucks were moved to safety, protecting more rows of sleeping occupants from the chaotic blaze and minimizing further property damage.
On July 1, 2026, the Meskwaki Nation and the Meskwaki Nation Police Department presented both Officers Jones and Officer Clark with a Commendation and Life Saving Award for their outstanding initiative, swift decision-making, and decisive lifesaving efforts. By maintaining composure in a high-stress situation, they prevented further tragedy and exemplified the highest standards of duty.