Marthasville Fire Protection District
The Marthasville Fire Protection District (MFPD) was recently awarded a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $150,000 for the purpose of replacing all hoses for each apparatus at all three of its stations. The MFPD will pay five percent of the cost.
Chief Sean Johnson said the MFPD is very grateful to receive the grant. He also wondered if it would be possible to help other rural Missouri fire departments by providing the department’s used equipment to their communities.
“I reached out on social media and immediately got responses,” said Johnson. “Holding on to this equipment would be wasteful. We felt like giving back to these communities would show the hospitality of the Marthasville people.”
On Saturday, April 20, personnel from rural fire departments traveled from southern and western Missouri communities to see what might be available to serve their districts.
Fire departments represented were from the communities of Bakersfield, Calhoun, Caulfield, Gainesville, Grandin, Licking, Moody, Pottersville and Tecumseh.
Members, spouses and kids from the visiting departments helped roll hoses, gather equipment and pack them into the back of trucks.
Fire Chief Greg Watts of the Bakersfield Fire Department quickly reached back to Chief Johnson after transporting the donated hose.
“Just passing on to you that your gracious donation that we hauled back has helped six fire departments,” said Watts. “We all thank you and your department.”
The FEMA grant allowed the MFPD to purchase supply lines, attack lines, nozzles, large-diameter intakes and ground monitors. Other grants received in the past year include one from Warren County for a new pickup truck with a snowplow, and from Walmart for Stop the Bleed packs and an iPad for one of the trucks.
Tragedy made way for another generous gift. Calhoun Fire Department recently lost one of its fire trucks in a fire. However, they were able to donate 3,000 feet of three-inch hose to the Licking Fire Department.
“I feel like our grants have a state-wide impact, benefitting multiple communities,” said Johnson. “When it gets down to it, it’s about neighbors helping neighbors.”
The MFPD serves 168 square miles in southern Warren County. It is a volunteer fire department with 40 members and an active auxiliary. Marthasville is one hour west of the St. Louis area. It responds to nearly 500 calls per year.
FFAM
