On January 22, 2020 the Iberia Rural Fire Protection District hosted the 2019 Firefighter Appreciation Dinner. Jamie Rodden and Alan Blomberg were recognized for 25 years of service. Nathan Duncan was also recognized for 10 years of service and voted the Firefighter of the Year by his peers. Chief Onstott reported the fire district had 335 calls for service in 2019. A listing of the calls are as follows: 10 structure fire, 20 motor vehicle accidents, 9 vehicle/equipment fire, 4 natural cover fire, 230 first responder (medical emergencies), 1 missing person search, 4 carbon monoxide, 3 propane leak/liquid spill, 1 power line down, 29 person in distress, 24 other or miscellaneous emergencies.

The Beta Club is an organization for 4th through 12th grade students. Its purpose is “to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership and service among elementary and secondary school students.” The State Beta Club Convention was held in Springfield this past November. Mallorie Miles who’s father is Jeff Miles, an assistant chief for the Woodland FPD submitted an entry related to the fire service. She took the back of an old fire engine and made an American flag display with flashing lights, etc. She won first place for her entry and will now travel to the National Beta Club Convention in Texas in June.

As a rural fire department with the need for future firefighters and an interest among the youth of Montrose, Missouri. A Junior Firefighter Program was started in 2019. After hours of classroom and skills, seven juniors completed the Basic Fire Fighter course and are currently working on their first aid and CPR training.

Pumpkin Center Rural Fire Protection District was awarded a new pumper/tanker from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean was in attendance and led the christening. The department was on hand to push it into the station and put the new apparatus into service.