DeKalb Fire Protection District

06/01/2026

We answered ten calls for service in the month of May. As of May 31, 2026, our personnel have answered 47 calls for service since January 1. Thank you to our fire personnel for their hard work and dedication.

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Many small communities depend heavily on volunteer fire departments, volunteer EMS, and mutual-aid networks between neighboring towns.

In parts of mid-Missouri, those volunteers are often the entire emergency response system for fires, storms, vehicle accidents, and medical calls.

The challenge is that rural departments usually cover huge geographic areas with fewer people, aging equipment, and limited tax bases. When volunteer numbers drop because of aging populations, long work commutes, or fewer younger residents staying in town, response times and coverage can become strained very quickly.

At the same time, those departments are often deeply rooted community institutions. People train nights and weekends, fundraise locally, and respond at all hours while still working regular jobs. In many places, the system keeps functioning because neighbors keep showing up for each other.

Missouri has a long tradition of that kind of civic volunteering, especially in smaller towns where everyone knows the firefighters personally.

Our area is no different and it sets the very same example as the rest of Missouri.

Thank you citizens for supporting us and understanding the change in climate within the volunteer fire service. Thank you to our mutual aid partners for the working relationships that ultimately benefit the citizens.

05/19/2026

Please be weather aware as severe weather approaches our area from the west. Stay safe.

05/18/2026

Buchanan County EMS. Thank you for all you do serving those who need you the most. We appreciate you.

05/13/2026

The board of directors will meet on May 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. at 15480 SW State Route JJ, DeKalb, MO 64440. The agenda is as follows:

1-Call the meeting to order
2-Roll Call/ Establish a Quorum
3-Approve the Agenda
4-Allow Public Comment
5-Read and Approve Minutes/ Finance Report
6-Read and Approve Bills/Invoices
7-Vote to close the regular meeting to discuss personnel issues per Rs Mo 610.021(3)
8-Vote to re-open the regular meeting
9-Administrative Report
10-Fire Chief's Report
11-Unfinished Business
12-New Business
13-Closing Remarks
14-Adjourn the Meeting

Submitted by:

/s/ Matt Westrich
Secretary/Treasurer
05-13-2026

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mothers today.

05/07/2026

Had a great chat with Darren Doyle - KQ2 News and Missouri Dept. of Conservation today about our upcoming race! Make sure you check out KQ2 on Sunday to see what this race means to DeKalb and MDC!

I got to speak with the DeKalb Fire Protection District & Missouri Dept. of Conservation today about their upcoming 5k/10k run/walk in June at the Bluffwoods Conservation Area. It's to assist DeKalb Fire with funds to ensure they have all the latest gear and equipment they need. Tune in this Sunday for the conversation!

Picture from last year's race, courtesy of DeKalb Fire.

KQ2