About Us
At Plattsburg Fire Protection District, we are dedicated to providing the latest fire safety information, job opportunities, and valuable resources to enhance fire protection within the community. Our website serves as a hub for promoting local events, fostering community engagement, and facilitating seamless access to critical fire safety resources.
Department History
The Plattsburg Fire Department’s history is one of perseverance, growth, and dedication. From its humble beginnings as a bucket brigade to the modern, well-equipped fire protection district it is today, the department has remained steadfast in its mission: protecting lives and property in Plattsburg and the surrounding communities.
History of the Plattsburg Fire Department
This history has been adapted from The Plattsburg Fire Department, a research paper in local history completed by Gretchen Talley (maiden name) for Mr. Foster and submitted on December 20, 1990.
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The history of the Plattsburg Fire Department was compiled from various original sources, both written and oral. A key source was a recorded interview with then-Fire Chief Carroll Peters on November 9, 1990. Efforts have been made to update the department's history from 1990 to the present. Those with additional information about the Plattsburg Fire Department or the Plattsburg Fire Protection District are encouraged to contact the Fire Chief.
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Like many small-town fire departments, the Plattsburg Volunteer Fire Department operated for years with minimal funding but immense dedication from its members and the community. Over the last 140+ years, funding has improved dramatically, but so have the demands for service, the level of training, and the costs of equipment. What remains unchanged is the department’s commitment to protecting the community and the continued necessity of community support.
Early Years
Before 1871, fires in Plattsburg were fought by a "water bucket brigade," which one commentator described as "about as effective on the fire as a medicine dropper." By 1870, after experiencing three significant fires in its business district, the city recognized the need for a formal fire department. On October 26, 1871, an organizational meeting was held at the courthouse to discuss fire protection strategies. At this meeting, it was decided to form an official fire department.
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A second meeting on October 27, 1871, led to the appointment of the first fire department leadership, with D.K. Morton elected as Chief and Moses Shoemaker and C.W. Proctor as Assistant Chiefs. The department's constitution and by-laws were adopted on October 30, 1871. Shortly after, the city council committed to aiding the fire department by providing essential equipment such as hooks, ladders, and buckets, and even granted fire department members the authority to make arrests when necessary.
Department Leadership Through the Years
Before 1955, Fire Chiefs included D.K. Morton, Gene Randolph, George Young, and Robert Frost, though the exact years of their service remain unknown.
The Plattsburg Volunteer Fire Department was officially reorganized in 1955, with Bill Ditto serving as Chief. From 1955 to 1990, Chiefs included Donald Carter, Rae Boyd, Kenneth Corn, Meryl Merde, and Carroll Peters (1983–1993). Since then, the department has been led by Fred Woods (1993–), Darryl Noble (–1999), Charles Wilkerson (1999–2004), Robert Hill (2004–2005), John Hesson (2005–2009), and Brad Lawrence (2009–present).
Little is known about the department's equipment before the 1960s. However, in 1963, the city approved a bond to purchase a new fire truck capable of pumping 750 gallons per minute for $38,000. This truck was housed at 114 Maple Street alongside the city council chambers and police station.
Over the years, additional equipment was acquired, often through department-led fundraising efforts. In 1972, the department purchased a ¾-ton pickup truck for fighting grass fires, followed by a water tanker from the Missouri Department of Conservation. In 1985, the department acquired its first set of hydraulic extrication tools for $10,000. Other notable additions included a 1987 Towers Fire Apparatus engine with a 1,000-gallon-per-minute front-mounted pump and a 1989 water tanker purchased for $32,000.
By 2012, the cost of equipping a single firefighter had risen to approximately $5,000, reflecting the growing financial demands of fire service operations.
Fire Stations
In 1965, the fire department constructed two apparatus bays using donated materials. In 1988, land was purchased at 104 Clay Avenue for a new station, which was funded through donations, including a generous $30,000 contribution from the family of former Fire Chief Robert Frost. The station was completed at a total cost of $76,323.65 and was dedicated on May 7, 1988.
In 2000, the Clay Avenue station was replaced by the Bush Street station, which was constructed on four acres of donated land. This modern facility features an 8,400-square-foot ground floor with office space, a meeting room, and an 8-bay apparatus area, along with a second floor designed for firefighter living quarters.
Funding & Growth
By 1990, primary funding sources included $8,000 from the City of Plattsburg and $4,000 from the Plattsburg Rural Fire Association, supplemented by fundraisers such as barbecues and family portrait sessions. The department also organized the Plattsburg Fall Festival from 1967 until the early 1970s, after which control was transferred to the Plattsburg Fall Festival Committee.
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In 1993, the department transitioned into the Plattsburg Fire Protection District, serving 112 square miles in Clinton County. Initially funded by a property tax levy of $0.25 per $100 assessed value, the department saw a critical funding increase in 2008 when voters approved an additional $0.10 per $100 assessed value to ensure long-term sustainability.
Despite improved funding, demand for services has increased significantly. In 2004, the department responded to 282 calls, a number that grew to 546 by 2011—a 94% increase over seven years.
Current Operations & Future Outlook
Today, the Plattsburg Fire Protection District remains an all-volunteer department. However, volunteer numbers have declined nationwide, prompting the district to introduce a firefighter staffing program in 2012. This program allows firefighters certified as Missouri Basic Firefighter or Firefighter I/II to gain experience by staffing the station at 105 Bush Street for at least 24 hours per month.
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The department has also focused on improving its Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating to help residents lower property insurance costs. The long-term goal is to achieve an ISO rating of 5 within the city and an 8 for over 95% of the rural district. Achieving this goal will require continued community support and investment in manpower, equipment, and infrastructure.
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Looking ahead, the department faces challenges familiar to many small fire districts, including volunteer recruitment, funding, and operational costs. However, with continued community involvement and strategic planning, the Plattsburg Fire Protection District remains committed to providing high-quality emergency services while adapting to the evolving demands of modern fire protection.