Drexel Volunteer Fire Department

07/16/2026

Drexel! Mark your calendars! Tuesday, August 4th, 4pm - 9pm. 5th Street, between Willow & Aspen.

Since 1984, communities across the country gather one night a year to stand in harmony & solidarity against crime. This event is known as the "National Night Out". While this year signals the 42nd national event, we, along with Drexel Drexel Volunteer Fire Department, are excited to announce our first ever participation in what we hope becomes an annual event.

Since the intent is for us to gather as neighbors, we are conducting this event as a family friendly block party. (See flyer below)

For more information, check out natw.org/about

There are many people to thank, but we want to acknowledge our Event Partners in advance. Without them, this would not be possible. Casey's, Citizens Bank, Hawthorn Bank, Splashtacular, Bartholomew Oil, L & L Bouncy Houses, Del Toro Tacos, VFW Post 4347, Food Fair, McBees, Rustic Chic/Main St Meats, Forced Air Heating & Cooling, Christian Church, & MoDot.

Thank you to Miss Katie Stewart for the amazing flyers (and cool new patch design).

07/05/2026

Thank you for an awesome parade! Stay safe tonight. Happy birthday, America! 🇺🇸

Missing one of our friends and musicians, Anthony Juarez. We record...

07/03/2026

🚒 Meet This Year's Grand Marshal: Retired Fire Chief Wayne Koopman! 🇺🇸

Please join us in celebrating Retired Fire Chief Wayne Koopman, whose remarkable dedication to the Drexel community spans more than 60 years of volunteer service.

Service has always been a part of Wayne's life. His father, Assistant Fire Chief Clyde Koopman, served the Drexel community from 1943 through the mid-1950s, and Wayne proudly followed in his footsteps. At just 14 years old, Wayne became an official Junior Firefighter with the Drexel Fire Department and steadily worked his way through the ranks, eventually serving as Fire Chief for several years.

During his time with the department, Wayne briefly stepped away to answer another call to service, serving our country in the U.S. Army as an Information Specialist and Firefighter. After completing his military service, he returned home to continue serving the Drexel Fire Department. Wayne retired as Fire Chief in 2001 but continued giving back as a member of the Fire Board until 2021.

When asked what he enjoyed most about being a firefighter, Wayne's answer was simple:
"I really enjoyed the camaraderie."

His favorite memory from his years of service?
"Being interviewed by Donna Pittman with KMBC 9 News during a train derailment incident in Drexel in the 1980s."

Wayne also shared this advice for today's firefighters:
"Pay attention to what you're doing and what your training instructor teaches you."

Wayne's lifelong commitment to serving his community and his country has left a lasting legacy. We are proud to honor him as this year's Grand Marshal and thank him for his dedication, leadership, and the countless lives he has impacted over the years.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Retired Fire Chief Wayne Koopman and thanking him for his extraordinary service to the Drexel community, our nation, and our shared history!

07/03/2026

Drexel's Annual 4th of July Parade is Tomorrow! 🇺🇸

We're excited to see everyone tomorrow for Drexel's Annual 4th of July Parade!

Last year's parade and water fight were such a great success that we're bringing them back this year with just a few small changes. Here are a few important details:

Everyone is welcome to join the parade!
Lineup: Begins at 4:00 PM at Midwest Fertilizer (Main & State Street).
Parade Start: 5:00 PM.
The first portion of the parade, from 1st Street to 2nd Street, will be our traditional parade where participants wave to the crowd and throw candy.

We'll make a brief stop in front of City Hall to honor our great nation and recognize our Veterans.

Water Fight Information 💦
If you do not wish to participate in the water fight, please leave the parade at the intersection of 2nd Street and Main Street.

The water fight will begin no sooner than the area in front of Frankie's and Thriftway. Please do not start spraying water before reaching that location.

To help keep everyone safe and the event enjoyable:

Please keep the water fight on the east side of Main Street, continuing down toward the school.
Stay a safe distance from all parade vehicles.
Do not climb on vehicles or reach inside them to grab items that are not intended for public use.
We're excited to continue this fun new tradition and hope it becomes a favorite for years to come.

We'll see you all tomorrow! Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

07/03/2026

I am a little upset this post has to be made. I’m not sure when we as a society quit caring for each other. Tonight my deputies, along with first responders from Adrian and EMS units from Bates County and Cass County responded to a very serious head on collision on 18 Highway.

The first responders did what they always do. They showed up, worked like the best team in America for people they didn’t even know.

Two people, very seriously hurt and required two helicopters so they could be transported to a trauma center. But as the first helicopter was landing, my deputies reported seeing a drone in the air over the crash scene.

Let me be clear. You have a right to own a drone, fly a drone and take footage of things in public. But what you don’t have a right to do is compromise the safety of those in the helicopter or on the ground. You don’t have a right to hinder or delay that response because a drone in the air prevents a helicopter from taking back off or landing in a timely matter.

While I hope this is a one time thing and whoever the drone owners are realize now the danger they put all the first responders and helicopters pilots in. I hope they realize that a patient’s life or death could come down to every precious minute.

If this behavior continues on scenes like this, then my agency will begin the acquisition of any technology we need to identify drones owners and purchase technology that will disrupt the drones ability to continue to stay in the air. We will put the safety of all involve and down your drone. You will be held accountable for interfering.

If you own a drone you have the responsibility to know the laws pertaining to their use. Be smart. The people who we are helping maybe one of your family members or friends.

Sheriff Chad Anderson.

07/02/2026

Calling ALL Veterans! We want you to be in Saturday’s parade. Doesn’t matter what era you served. Young or old. 20 years or 4. This is America’s 250th Birthday, and we want to acknowledge ALL our veterans as we celebrate America250.

Drexel Volunteer Fire Department Chief Booker is coordinating the staging of the parade. If you wish to participate, please rally at Bartholomew’s Gas Station no later than 1645.

If you cannot walk, or ride on a trailer, feel free to utilize your own motorized device, Scooter Chair, etc. Due to the expected higher temps, make sure you are hydrated and bring a drink with you.

Please share this post, especially with those who may not be on Social Media. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

06/06/2026

05/30/2026

On behalf of Chief Booker and the members of the Drexel Fire Department, we send our love and support to the families of Cpl. Gary Daniels and the men and women of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Brothers and sisters, know that we stand beside you and mourn with you during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Hero Daniels.

Reaching out for help isn't a sign of weakness, but a sign that you're human with a heart.

04/26/2026

With storms entering our area, please stay weather aware. Use multiple resources to stay informed. NOAA Weather Radios are excellent, weather and news stations/apps are great! Do NOT rely on tornado sirens. They are NOT meant to be heard indoors.
Multiple severe rounds are forecasted.

In the event you need to take shelter this afternoon throughout the night, both the Christian and Methodist churches are open.