Over the past eight years, several of my articles have begun with, “While looking out the 13th floor window.” I remain humbled to have that opportunity and thank you for your continued support! It is an honor to continue to serve with you!
Seeing the green grass, flowers, and leaves blooming on the trees makes me appreciate how my maker created this world. I know you, as the Missouri Fire Service, are very thankful to see the green vegetation. I want to take the time to give a big shout out to each fire department in our state who stood up and showed up over the past three months, with the elevated grass/brush fires. You went above and beyond to serve and protect lives and property in your jurisdictions and your next-door neighbors and areas several counties over. March 14, in my opinion, was a historical day due to the number of wildland fires across our Missouri Fire Service. As Joshua, Matt, and I worked with many of you through the fire mutual aid system at the State Emergency Operations Center, SEOC, I could not have been prouder to see how everyone pulled together. Many of you were battling significant wildland fires with hundreds of acres, dealing with 60-70-80 MPH winds, in multiple locations. And then in a matter of minutes, you changed hats to deal with tornadoes, water rescues, search and rescues, powerlines down, structure fires, and vehicle accidents, to name a few incidents we had visibility on. Again, everyone pulled together even though you were stretched thin to serve and protect your communities. Good job!
On a personal note, my heart goes out to our volunteer departments that had boots on the ground daily for the past several weeks. I appreciate you sacrificing many hours and taking away from your work/family business. Some employers allowed you to respond and paid your wages while you were deployed, a big thank you to those employers! Many of our fellow Missourians have no idea you commit your time for free to their emergencies. You have a special place in my heart! My prayer is that God continues to bless and keep you. Thank you to everyone, career or volunteer, you make me proud daily!
Recent weeks have been highly demanding for our Missouri Fire Service. Please take time to check on your fellow firefighters and their mental well-being. We must stay mentally prepared to give 100 percent to the emergency. If you need help, go to www.mffcip.org or call 573-619-7216. We have trained professionals waiting day or night to help. I care about you and your mental health!
With a heavy heart, I report the passing of four firefighters since the last FFAM magazine. Fire Captain Vernon Collett (Johnson County Fire Protection District), Deputy Chief Donald R. Kammerich (Pilot Grove Area Fire Protection District), Fire Chief Garry Moore (Whitewater Fire Department), and Fire Fighter Chevy Allen Anthony Gall (Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District). Each of these men was actively serving their departments, dying in the line of duty. Say a prayer for their families in the days and weeks ahead. Firefighting is a risky business; sometimes, we pay the ultimate sacrifice! “Rest in Peace”.
Thank you to everyone working with Fire Mutual Coordinator Joshua Couture on closing out the old NFIRS (fire reporting system). As I mentioned in my last article, a new system is being rolled out. In the next several weeks, we will assist you in implementing the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). It is a significant undertaking for us all. Please be patient with us; we will all get there over time.
Many of you attended the 2025 Fire Fighters Day at the Capitol. It was good to acknowledge our spouses and 9-1-1 Tele-Communicators. I learned that Thursday was not the best day to catch your legislator. We will keep that in mind moving forward. Thanks again for attending and supporting the 2025 Fire Fighters Day at the Capitol.
In closing, thank you for everything you do day in and day out across the state. I appreciate you, and it is an honor to serve with you! Stay Safe!
FFAM
