Fire Department Celebrates New Station

JAMESPORT, MO — Jamesport Fire Department will host an Open House on April 19 to celebrate the opening of their new fire station, located southwest of the A.V. Spillman Event Center. The fire department consists of 22 firefighters and 8 of them are EMS-trained. It has taken 15 years and $160,000 to complete but the project only lacks a few touch-up spots. A plan was developed in 1999 to upgrade and build a new fire house. At that time the community was canvassed and $16,000 was raised in two weeks. Also during that time dues were raised to $30.00, and a 1970 pumper truck was purchased from a fire department in Pennsylvania. In 2000 the progress continued with the medical First Responder program (EMS). During that time another $15,000 (1/3 city match, 1/3 Home Exchange Bank match, and 1/3 gun raffle) was raised for extrication equipment. During that year three more vehicles were obtained – a 1990 Chevrolet panel truck for extrication unit, a 1973 Chevrolet pumper, and a 1967 military 2 1/2 ton. Six dry hydrants were installed. They received FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for new equipment in 2003. In 2004 the Rural and City Fire Departments were consolidated and the Jamesport Rural Fire Department name was changed to Jamesport Fire and Rescue. More trucks were purchased that year which included a 1980 Ford pumper and a Ford 3/4 ton grass fire truck and equipment. SEMA inter-operability grant was received in the sum of $31,902.00 for radios with digital frequency capability. In 2006 a 2001 Chevrolet ambulance was purchased from the Daviess County Ambulance District to be used for medical first responders. Due to the improvements and upgrade of the fire department, the ISO rating was improved to a 6. Therefore, insurance rates were lowered. With the help from grants from FEMA the department was able to purchase a 1997 International tanker with 3000 gallon tank, and they purchased a breathing air compressor. During 2008 and 2009, the local fire department received funding from FEMA or radio repeater and traffic safety equipment. They also received grants for grass firefighting equipment. In addition to the grant monies, the department has raised money through many local donations, auctions, cookbook sales, etc.