Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department
Volunteer first responders help their fellow citizens in times of need. Volunteers enjoy a sense of accomplishment, achievement, and pride in the work they do. You’d learn new skills, make new friends, be a part of a team, give back to the community, and make a real difference. So, what is the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department? It is one of a kind. Did you know that the Missouri State Fair is the only State Fair to have its own fire department? That is correct, the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department is the only 11-day fire department in the nation, and it is in service only during the Missouri State Fair. This year’s fair is August 8-18.
As a Missouri State Fair volunteer firefighter, you’re not only in service at the state fair but also a more visible member of the community. This means the work that your crew does either EMS or fire in the community directly impacts the people you know and work with daily. This will give your work a stronger sense of purpose and have a positive impact on those in your life. Saving lives and serving people is the basis of virtually everyone’s entry into the public safety or healthcare service profession. As a volunteer firefighter, you will get to do this daily. You’ll have a part-time contribution and a community of peers you can truly be proud of and fulfilled by.
Almost everyone you volunteer with has other interests and likely another profession. Volunteer firefighting is a great way to make strong connections. When seeking a professional reference, a career recommendation, or even someone to help you out or share in your part-time hobby project, you’ll have plenty of people to turn to. Your network grows even further when you attend events for the firefighting community, fire school, and convention and in this day and age, the secret to success can be just as much about who you know than what you know.
The Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department has minimum requirements one must meet before joining that may include:
- Minimum age requirement 16 for juniors (Dispatch)
- Member of a department in good standing that is a member of the FFAM and the member dues are paid.
- Valid driver’s license
- Not required but suggested basic firefighter or firefighter 1 and 2
- For EMS a current EMT or paramedic license
So, what goes on behind the scenes at the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department? As I’m writing this, I have had a meeting with the fair director. The command staff has had meetings about staffing and equipment. All of the apparatus and equipment used during the fair is donated by departments and districts, so it takes time to coordinate those things that allow the department to function. All of these things and much more are at work from the end of one fair to the start of the next.
The fire station needs some attention and help so we will have some work detail weekends which will be announced soon. Depending on department services, and the department’s needs, you may be asked to do some of the following:
- Fire Suppression
- Emergency Medical Services
- Hazardous Materials Response
- Search and Rescue
- Traffic Incident Management
- Public Information and Education
- Inspections
- Public Events (concerts, special events)
If this is something that you would like to do, then fill out your application which is available on the FFAM website. Just select “State Fair” under the Committees tab. Applications are due by May 31, 2024. I hope to see you at the fair. Have a great safe day.
FFAM
