For Immediate Release: Friday, May 16, 2025
Media Contact: Zach Carlyle | doc.media@iowa.gov | (515) 415-7235
FORT MADISON, Iowa – We often say that the dedication and courage of our staff does not stop when they clock out. A few weeks ago, that truth was on full display.
Wade Hammen, a POM and CERT Member from NCCF/FDCF, and Captain Nate Lucht, Assistant CERT Commander for NCCF/FDCF, were heading home from Emergency Preparedness training at ISP when they noticed something unusual — smoke drifting in the distance off the main road.
Instead of driving by, they trusted their instincts and went to investigate. What they found was a garage fully engulfed in flames, attached to a home. They immediately called 911 and approached the house to ensure no one was inside. After knocking, a 10-year-old child came to the door. The child safely evacuated the home — alone, scared, and likely unaware of how close danger had come.
But Wade and Nate did not stop there. While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, they moved a nearby camper away from the burning structure, preventing further property damage or potential explosions.
Their quick thinking and willingness to act may very well have prevented a tragedy.
Stories like these remind us of the caliber of people we are proud to call our colleagues. Wade and Nate showed the best of who we are — not just as Corrections professionals, but as Iowans committed to serving and protecting others, on and off duty.
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About the Iowa Department of Corrections
The Iowa Department of Corrections is making significant strides to implement evidence-based practices system-wide that are proven to reduce victimization, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. The IDOC is a nationally recognized leader in corrections for innovation and implementation of evidence-based practices. Being on the forefront of innovation and practice, the IDOC continues its commitment to be the best corrections system in the country.
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