St. Charles Fire Department

05/29/2026

Meet Bruno, Search and Rescue K9 with the City of St Charles Fire Department. Born in the Czech Republic, he was imported to the US, passing several selections before becoming part of our department in May 2025. Bruno Officially turns 2 years old today! Happy Birthday Bruno!

Bruno and his handler, Private Wilson, graduated from training with Boone County Sheriff’s Office K9 Training Center in July 2025. Together they are certified in obedience, tracking, trailing, area, and building search with the North American Police Working Dog Association and the Missouri Police Canine Association. They are now on their way to completing certification as a FEMA live-find canine search team with the intent to become part of Missouri Task Force 1.

Bruno is an all-business kind of guy. He lives to work and loves doing his job more than anything. His favorite paycheck is a ball on a string. When he’s not working or training he still doesn’t like to sit still, and is continuously looking for the next way to earn that paycheck. While Bruno loves to give his handler hugs when no one is looking, he’s not a particularly social guy. So if you see him out and about but he doesn’t say hi, don’t take it personally, he’s just focused.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Today we proudly recognize Battalion Chief Kyle Longinette for his 19 years of dedicated service to the St. Charles City Fire Department.

Chief Longinette began his fire service career as a volunteer with New Melle Fire Protection District in 2002. Prior to joining St. Charles City, he served with Lincoln County Ambulance District from 2004-2007.

A 2001 graduate of Francis Howell Central High School, Chief Longinette earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science and Emergency Management from Purdue Global and has attended several National Fire Academy classes. He remains a lifelong student of both the fire service and life.

Chief Longinette holds numerous certifications including Swiftwater Technician, Boat Operator, Rescue Team, Hazmat Team, Fire Officer, Incident Safety Officer, along with multiple leadership and incident command trainings. He also proudly served more than 14 years as an Executive Board Member of IAFF Local 757 and is honored as an Emeritus Officer and Lifetime Member.

Outside of work, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer and their daughters, supporting their activities and sports, traveling to the mountains, visiting national parks, hiking, hunting, reading, and building projects.

Chief Longinette says it is a privilege to serve alongside the members of SCFD C-Shift and that he is proud to be part of the SCFD family.

We thank Battalion Chief Kyle Longinette for his dedication, leadership, and continued service to the City of St. Charles.

05/26/2026

Yesterday afternoon, just before 2:30 pm, crews responded to a report of a residential structure fire in the 3700 block of Sherman Park Dr. Upon arrival, heavy fire was found on the second story of the initial unit, extending into the common attic of the building. An aggressive attack was begun and the fire was quickly brought under control. Several units sustained significant damage and those residents were displaced. All occupants were able to evacuate safely. Two pets were rescued by crews and received aid from our partners at before being transported to an emergency vet. Sadly one pet expired in the home. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. SCFD was assisted by and St. Charles Police Department

05/22/2026

Unfortunately we are a week late, but this month 24 years ago, three of our members ( Captain Mark Echele, Firefighter Joe Struckhoff and Firefighter David Fidler) were recognized by the American Red Cross for their acts of bravery. These members were not seeking praise. They simply put their lives on the line for a citizen they had sworn to protect. Firefighter David Fidler (right) recently retired from the fire department. In his last year, he was involved in the rescue of another civilian. A testament to the bravery a firefighter exhibits all throughout their time in service.

05/20/2026

Today, we recognize Firefighter Paramedic Kirby Schneider, the most senior member of the St. Charles City Fire Department.

With 26 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Charles, Kirby has earned the well-deserved title of “Old Smoke.” He is currently assigned to C-Shift at Station 4 and serves as an Acting Engineer. Kirby is also a valued member of the St. Charles County Urban Search & Rescue Team.

In addition to his operational duties, Kirby has maintained the department’s SCBAs — Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus — critical equipment our firefighters rely on when working in hazardous environments.

Kirby graduated from Kirkwood High School and attended Northeast Missouri State University before continuing his education at St. Louis Community College. Outside the firehouse, he enjoys spending time with his two children and golfing on his days off.

We thank Firefighter Paramedic Kirby Schneider for his dedication, professionalism, and continued service to the City of St. Charles and the citizens we proudly serve.

05/14/2026

“Yesterday’s training built today’s fire service.”

These powerful photos from the 1970s remind us how far the fire service has come. From advancements in personal protective equipment and breathing apparatuses to better tactics and modern tools, today’s firefighters are equipped better than ever before.

But one thing has never changed — the necessity to prepare.

Much like Captain Erv Shields, seen ascending the ladder alongside fellow St. Charles City firefighters, crews then trained and operated in simulated hazardous environments with determination, grit, and courage. Whether it was making entry through an elevated window or operating with limited protection compared to today’s standards, they understood the importance of training for the worst-case scenario.

Decades later, that same mindset still drives the fire service forward. We continue to train for challenging scenarios, refine our skills, and prepare for the moments when our community needs us most.

Progress may change the equipment, but dedication to the job remains timeless.

05/13/2026

Today we recognize Private Gaige Dunnermann. Gaige has proudly served the City of St. Charles for 5 years and is currently assigned to House 1, B-Shift. Prior to joining the department, Private Dunnermann spent one year with Christian Northeast EMS. He is a graduate of Holt High School in Wentzville and is certified as a Swift Water Technician, Field Training Officer, and Paramedic. When he’s off duty, Gaige enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, golfing, and exploring parks with his fiancée Olivia and their dog Tyson. We thank Private Dunnermann for his dedication, professionalism, and continued service to the City of St. Charles.