Building the Future of Missouri’s Fire Service
A Shared Commitment to Service
Every day across Missouri, a pager sounds, a station door rises, and firefighters step forward—often leaving their own families to protect someone else’s. From our largest cities to our smallest rural communities, that response represents more than courage; it represents a promise. When our neighbors face their worst day, Missouri’s fire service will be there.
As First Vice President of the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri, I see that promise fulfilled by dedicated career and volunteer firefighters in every corner of our state. FFAM transforms their individual commitment into a united voice by connecting departments, advancing training, developing leaders, and advocating for the resources Missouri firefighters need. No station can meet every challenge alone, but together we can make every department—and every community—stronger.
Unity, Training, and Shared Learning
When firefighters share knowledge, resources, and experience, every department benefits. No community should have to face its challenges alone. Through stronger relationships, open communication, and fellowship, we can learn from one another, prepare future leaders, and carry proven practices back to our local departments.
Training is central to that mission. The demands on today’s fire service continue to evolve, and our preparation must evolve with them. FFAM is committed to promoting accessible, practical learning opportunities that help firefighters operate safely, lead with confidence, and return home to their families after every call.
A Voice for Missouri Firefighters
Our association also has a responsibility to listen—and to act. Missouri’s fire departments vary widely in size, staffing, funding, and local needs, yet every firefighter deserves meaningful representation. By maintaining open communication with our members and partners, we can elevate shared concerns, recognize achievements, and advocate for the tools and support departments need to serve their communities effectively.
Missouri Accomplishments and Priorities
Missouri’s fire service has meaningful progress on which to build. In 2026, Firefighters Day at the Capitol drew strong participation and recognized the instructors and training partners who prepare our responders. State leaders also preserved fire-service training funding during a difficult budget cycle. FFAM united members at its 69th Annual Convention in Liberty, continued its scholarship and awards programs, supported construction of a modern replacement station for the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department, and sustained the important work of honoring fallen firefighters at the memorial in Kingdom City.
Our priorities are equally clear: secure dependable funding for firefighter training; expand affordable education and scholarship opportunities, especially for volunteers; improve recruitment and retention in rural and urban communities; strengthen mutual aid and statewide communication; maintain productive relationships with Missouri lawmakers; and ensure that proposed regulations reflect the realities facing departments of every size. We must also continue supporting the Fire Fighters Memorial, the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team, and the Firefighters Museum so that Missouri’s legacy of service and sacrifice is preserved for generations to come.
Looking Ahead Together
Now is the time to act. I am asking every Missouri fire department to designate a representative to engage with FFAM, send members to association events, and bring local training, funding, recruitment, and safety needs directly to us. I am asking every firefighter to renew or begin their involvement, serve on a committee, mentor a new member, contact state lawmakers, and invite another firefighter to stand with us. Do not leave the future of Missouri’s fire service for someone else to shape. Show up. Speak up. Help FFAM turn our shared priorities into measurable progress for every department and every community.
It is an honor to serve as your First Vice President, and I am ready to work alongside you—not only to protect the proud traditions of Missouri’s fire service, but also to build its future. Let us stand united, speak with purpose, and ensure that every firefighter has the training, support, and representation needed to answer the call. One association. One Missouri fire service. Stronger together.
FFAM
