HOLTS SUMMIT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

P.O. Box 33

HOLTS SUMMIT, MO 65043

573-896-4589

HISTORY: The Holts Summit Fire Protection District was organized by a vote of the people in March 1988. A three-member Board of Directors elected by the voters administers the Fire District. The operations of the District are funded by a 26-cent tax levy. This process eliminated the need for "fire tags" by providing fire and rescue protection for all persons within the 50 square mile area of the Holts Summit Fire Protection District.

FIRE STATION: Station #1 is located in Holts Summit, at the corner of Center Street and Summit Drive on a 2-acre site. It is a 50 by 83-foot structure completed in 1990 at a cost of $160,000. Currently, the building is used for public education meetings, training's, administrative work and department meetings. The building has 4 apparatus bays, which currently hold six pieces of equipment.

PERSONNEL: Volunteers staff the HSFPD. The 25+ volunteers who serve as firefighters and support personnel also purchase their own equipment for their personal vehicles, such as emergency lights, siren and radio equipment. They are willing to do this in order that there will be more moneys available to help to update the fire and rescue equipment to meet the needs of those who call upon the services of the District. The personnel of the HSFPD, in addition to responding to emergency calls, spend many hours in training so they can do the routine and sometime dangerous assignments safely and efficiently. This group of volunteers also devotes many hours in maintaining the equipment, building and grounds.

MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS: The HSFPD has written mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments for assistance if the need arises. Should a natural or man-made disaster occur where additional personnel and/or equipment is needed, the emergency agencies will respond to help, and at the same time maintain back-up equipment and staff should an emergency occur in their own district.

SELECTION OF PERSONNEL: The HSFPD selects its personnel through an application and interview process. Any male or female, 18 years or older may apply as a volunteer with the Department. Applications may be obtained by writing to the above address, stopping by the office, or calling the non-emergency number of 896-4589. Applications are then reviewed, references contacted and a security check is made. The Chief interviews the applicants who meet the necessary criteria. Volunteer applicants who are willing to go through the training sessions and devote the time, energy and dedication required, are placed on the fire department roster for a 6-month probationary period.

FIREFIGHTING AND RESCUE APPARATUS: The HSFPD currently owns and operates six vehicles, 2 pumpers, 1 pumper/tanker, 1 tanker, 1 rescue truck and 1 brush truck. A PUMPER is used to move the water from a hydrant or other water source, such as a lake, pond, or port-a-tank to the fire. An operator at the pump panel, which has hose connections and valves, controls water pressure. By flowing the water through the engine, the pump operator can pump water to the fire at a higher rate and with more control than when it flows from the source. The TANKER is used to carry water to the fire when none is available at the site. The tanker may have to return to the source of water and fill several times during large fires. Due to the limited number of hydrants, nearly all fire calls in the District require the use of the tanker. The PUMPER-TANKER is a combination vehicle. It has the ability to be used as a pumper when needed, or as a tanker to transport water to the site. The RESCUE unit carries a variety of tools and supplies. Basic equipment includes extrication tools, ropes, trauma kits, blankets, rescue basket, scoop stretcher, power generator and portable lights. The BRUSH truck is used to fight brush and grass fires. This is a 4-wheel drive vehicle that is equipped with backpacks, rakes, chain saws, shovels a 250-gallon water tank and a small pump and hose.

CADET PROGRAM: The HSFPD has a program for individuals between the ages of 13 to 18 to be involved in fire safety. Those enrolled will have an opportunity to have hands-on experience with fire and medical equipment used by the Holts Summit Fire Protection District personnel. Cadets will also have the opportunity to learn about emergency fire service and what they can do to promote safety and prevent injuries. Meetings are each month for approximately 1 ½ hours.

WEB SITE / E-MAIL ADDRESS: In 1998 the HSFPD joined the Internet with their own website. This site is updated and kept current by the webmaster.