For those of you who have worked at the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department, visited the station, or attended a class there it has not been a well-kept secret that the aged station has needed many repairs or upgrades for some time. Much talk has taken place about where to find funding to support the needed changes and planning/designing what may be needed was started in earnest in August 2021.
A working committee was established and conversations were started with the Fair Administration to look for adequate funding that would address the needs identified by the committee.
A presentation of what was needed was on display during the 2022 Missouri State Fair and was viewed by many elected state officials and members of the Fair Commission. Working with suggestions made, alterations were considered and the committee kept moving forward to inch the dream of upgrades closer to reality.
Many FFAM members and many of our supporters worked diligently both behind the scenes and in public fashion to explain the needs of the fire department and the benefits that could be gained by making the necessary upgrades.
A direct face-to-face campaign was carried out during the 2023 Firefighter’s Day at the Capitol with information being distributed to many legislators during our visits.
Although some of them were aware of the conditions at the fair, this may have been the first exposure for some.
With the outstanding support of Representative Brad Pollitt and Senator Sandy Crawford among others, funding for the repairs/upgrades at the fire station was added to the State budget proposal. After clearing the scrutiny of the House and Senate the funding remained intact and was sent to the Governor as part of the final proposed State budget.
Thanks go out to Governor Mike Parson for recognizing and supporting the needs of the FD by allowing the requested funding to remain in the final budget. With his signature approving the budget. $2,500,000 was appropriated exclusively for repairs and renovations to the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department facility. Wow!
What a win for the fire department and the citizens of Missouri and all visitors to the fair. The work doesn’t stop there as we move forward through the process of design modifications, contracts, and execution of the project. We will continue working closely with the Fair Administration to keep the project moving and a much-needed renovated station will be available for use for many, many, many more fairs.
Thank you to each individual involved in reaching this milestone! Your help was and is invaluable.
FFAM
