For eleven days each August, the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department becomes one of the most unique emergency service operations in the nation — a fully functioning fire and EMS department built entirely on volunteer dedication. From August 13 through August 23, firefighters, EMTs, medics, and support personnel from across Missouri and neighboring states came together with one purpose: to protect the Missouri State Fair and everyone who walks through its gates.
This department is not powered by tax dollars or full time staffing. It is powered by heart, tradition, and the belief that service matters.
During the 2026 Missouri State Fair, the department responded to:
- First Aid – 82 calls
- EMS – 141 calls
- Fire – 1 call
- Hazmat – 3 calls
- Agency Assist – 1 call
- Mutual Aid – 2 calls
- Stand by – 22 assignments
- Courtesy Cart Rides – 44 assists
These numbers represent far more than incidents. They represent people helped, crises eased, and moments where volunteers stepped forward without hesitation. Behind every call was a firefighter or medic who gave up vacation days, left family at home, and worked long shifts in heat, dust, and crowds—all because protecting the fair matters.
Chairman’s Reflection
Serving as Chairman of the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have witnessed courage, compassion, and teamwork that cannot be taught — only lived. I have watched volunteers push through exhaustion, heat, and long nights, yet return with pride and purpose.
With deep emotion, I share that 2027 will be my final year as Chairman. This department is strong. It is respected. It is ready for its next chapter. The legacy built over 65 years will continue because of the volunteers who show up year after year, protecting the fair and everyone who attends it. I leave with gratitude, pride, and confidence in the future.
Vendor & Partner Appreciation
The Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department could not operate without the generosity, expertise, and partnership of the vendors and organizations who stand behind us. Their contributions — whether equipment, instruction, supplies, or support — strengthen our mission and ensure our volunteers have what they need to serve safely and effectively.
Banner Fire
Banner Fire provided support that reached every corner of our operation. Their contributions went far beyond equipment — they delivered critical SCBA units, gas meters, and essential support gear that directly enhanced our ability to operate safely in hazardous environments. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and willingness to step in at a moment’s notice made them one of our most impactful partners this year.
Banner’s commitment ensured our firefighters could enter dangerous atmospheres with confidence, monitor air conditions accurately, and perform their duties with the highest level of safety. Their technical insight and genuine partnership strengthened our readiness and elevated the safety margin of every shift. For their generosity, expertise, and unwavering support, we offer Banner Fire our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation.
Sentinel Emergency Solutions
Sentinel Emergency Solutions provided invaluable instruction, guidance, and hands on support that sharpened our operational skills. Their expertise in auto extrication and other technical rescue techniques reinforced best practices and built confidence among our crews. Sentinel didn’t just teach — they invested in our people, standing beside us with professionalism and a genuine desire to help our volunteers grow. For their dedication and the knowledge they shared, we extend our sincere appreciation.
ZOLL Medical
ZOLL Medical strengthened our medical response capabilities by providing AED monitors, leads, and electrodes. Their support ensured our medics had reliable, high quality tools available when seconds mattered most. Their partnership helped us deliver immediate, effective cardiac care throughout the fair.
Ferrell Gas
Ferrell Gas provided dependable service by filling our propane bottles, keeping essential systems running smoothly, and removing one more logistical concern from our teams. Their reliability and support were felt every day of the fair.
Tyson Chicken
Tyson Chicken’s continued support over the years has been deeply appreciated. Their contributions helped sustain morale and reminded our volunteers that the community stands firmly behind them.
Missouri Cattlemen Association
The Cattlemen Association’s generous donation of ground beef fed our crews, lifted spirits, and brought comfort after long, demanding shifts. Their support provided nourishment, but more importantly, it provided a sense of community and care.
Districts & Departments Who Loaned Apparatus
To every fire district and department that loaned engines, tenders, rescue units, and support vehicles: thank you. Your willingness to share resources exemplifies the mutual aid spirit that defines Missouri firefighting. Every loaned piece of apparatus strengthened our ability to serve and ensured rapid, reliable response throughout the fair.
Medical Direction & Clinical Support
Pettis County Ambulance District & Dr. David Gustafson
Your leadership, medical direction, and on site coordination elevated our EMS response capabilities. Dr. Gustafson, your guidance ensured high quality patient care throughout the fair. Your partnership transformed uncertainty into calm, competent action. Pettis County Ambulance, their continued support and dedication
A Tribute to the Volunteers
To the men and women who gave their time — this is for you. You sacrificed vacation days, family time, and personal comfort to stand watch for eleven days so others could enjoy the fair. You worked long shifts in heat and rain, carried heavy equipment, comforted frightened fairgoers, and performed with professionalism and heart. Without your commitment, there would be no Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department. You are the living legacy of service. You are the reason the fair opens each year safely. You are the heartbeat of this department.
Goppert Financial Bank
Goppert Financial Bank did far more than donate — they changed the very heartbeat of the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department. Their generosity transformed our 65th year from a challenge into a celebration, and their support will echo through every future fair.
Their contribution provided the bunks where exhausted firefighters finally rested after long nights. It provided washers and dryers that kept uniforms clean and ready for the next call.
It provided the stove, tables, and chairs where volunteers gathered to share meals, stories, and moments of camaraderie that strengthen the bonds of this department. It provided the countless items — big and small — that turned a building into a true home. Goppert didn’t just give us equipment, they gave us comfort, stability, and dignity.
They gave our volunteers a place to recover, a place to breathe, a place to feel valued. Their support lifted morale in ways that cannot be measured in dollars—only in smiles, in renewed energy, and in the quiet moments when a firefighter sits down after a long shift and feels, even for a moment, taken care of. Their generosity made our new firehouse more than a structure. It made it a sanctuary. A place where volunteers can walk through the doors and know they matter. A place where memories will be made for decades to come. A place that will support the next generation of firefighters long after all of us are gone.
For all of this, and for the heart behind it, we offer Goppert Financial Bank our deepest and most sincere appreciation.
A New Building, A New Chapter
The new firehouse stands as a foundation for the next 65 years — a symbol of community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of volunteerism. May every person who walks through its doors feel proud, knowing they are part of history in the making.
As I prepare for my final year in 2027, I do so with gratitude, confidence, and pride. The future of this department is bright because of the people who show up — the volunteers, the donors, the partners, and the community that believes in what we do.
Closing Thoughts
The Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department is a rare and remarkable institution. For eleven days each year, it concentrates the best of Missouri’s volunteer spirit into a single mission: protect the fair and everyone who comes to it.
To every vendor, donor, medical partner, lending department, and volunteer — thank you. You made history this year, and you will continue to shape this department’s story for decades to come.
FFAM
