From the Desk of the MO State Fair Volunteer FD Committee Chairman
Hello from the desk of the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department Committee Chairman. I hope everyone reading this article has had a fantastic summer. I first want to send my thanks to all the veteran State Fair Fire Members for their commitment, dedication and love to serve the one and only Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department. To the rookies, I hope after your time with us you will turn into a veteran. This year was a very special fair with many good things about the future of the ‘ole firehouse. On opening day, Governor Mike Parson came by to visit and when he did, he had a pen in hand and signed HB 2018 which increased the funding for a new state fair fire station to $4.6 million. So, after next year’s fair get ready to see a change in the state fair fire station!
As I mentioned, this year’s fair was full of surprises. On Saturday, First Responders Day, I noticed many dignitaries from the fair as well as many former state fair fire members visiting with MSFFD personnel. Everyone gathered in the engine bay when Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore began to speak about a new Friends of the Fair program that started this year recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond for the fair. Needless to say, when Jason called my name to be recognized, you could have knocked me over with a feather. I want to thank the individuals that thought I was that person that goes above and beyond. The Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department is very near and dear to my heart. I want to do my part to see it better each and every year and with construction around the corner, I hope to see what it looks like in the 1-2 years to construct.
But again, if it wasn’t for the T.E.A.M. from the leadership of the Fire Chief to the person that could only stay a day there would not be a Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department. This year was a first for me in 29 years of serving the guests of the fair. I have never seen the first week pulse three days of nice weather and the attendance shows that. Wearing coats in the morning and during concerts was a big change and only had to use the pumps 1-2 times. This year was a great year dealing with rain.
This year the crews ran 168 calls. A few were first for some and the use of air ambulance was required this year: 122 Medical, 1 fire, 23 courtesy rides, 5 other, 15 standby and 2 missing persons. By all means, we are no St. Louis or Kansas City fire but a single station covering 400+ acres with around 350,000 to visit the fair is a great, busy little department that is full of drive, dedication and teamwork. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who made this year’s Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department what it was.
And lastly, to the departments and districts that donated their equipment – ambulances, brush trucks, engines, UTV’s and the vendors that loaned us the loose equipment to place on the trucks we can’t thank you enough.
Have a great fall, take care, be safe and remember that we’re all here for the same reason, to serve the citizens. Thank you for your time.
FFAM
