Greetings from the 13th Floor
I would like to express our appreciation to everyone who took the time to make their way to Jefferson City for the 2026 Firefighters Day at the Capitol. It was well attended, with the rotunda packed. Our theme this year was to spotlight our fire service training partners and the Fire Service Instructors. We had a world-renowned keynote speaker, Volunteer firefighter John Wilke of the Boone County Fire Protection District. For those who do not know, John is celebrating 60 years of service to the Missouri Fire Service. Congratulations, John. I appreciate your service, sir. Keep on keeping on.
Legislatively, I am pleased to report that both legislative bodies have been working hard and getting along. At the time I wrote this article, there were 5 weeks left in the 2026 session. There are many bills dealing with tax language. I would encourage you to take time and make yourself aware of the different bills that could make it across the finish line.
Budgetarily, the budget committees have spent many hours working on the 2027 budget. They are challenged to cut close to a billion dollars from the state budget. Many difficult conversations were had on programs and services. Currently, the Fire Safety budget is still in place. Thanks to the support of the Governor and the legislators who believe in our Missouri Fire Service, the training dollars will continue to be appropriated. I feel this is due to your having those relationships with your local senators and representatives. It matters during these times of crucial budgetary cuts. Keep those relationships going!
Missouri Fire Service Recognition Program
The Missouri Division of Fire Safety has implemented a program designed to recognize members of the Missouri fire service in the following categories:
- The family of any current member or retiree upon death, regardless of rank
- Members retiring from the Missouri fire service, regardless of rank (as determined by individual agency retirement guidelines)
The State Fire Marshal will issue a Salute to Service certificate for presentation to the member or the member’s family, as appropriate. For a deceased member or retiree, the death does not need to be in line of duty to receive a certificate.
Missouri Fire Service Recognition Program
Please take advantage of the opportunity to recognize your firefighters.
It is an honor to continue to serve you. If you would like me to attend a banquet, an awards ceremony, or your monthly chiefs meeting, please reach out to me at tim.bean@dfs.dps.mo.gov or 573-645-2069.
Thanks for all you do every day. I look forward to seeing many of you at the 2026 Convention in Liberty. Stay Safe.
Missouri Fire Fighters Day at the State Capitol
FFAM
