Fire Engine Rally draws area fire departments
Firefighters show skills
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| ANDREW JANSEN PHOTO Kevin Harwood, left, and Matt Seithel compete in the firefighter challenge at the Fire Engine Rally in Herculaneum. |
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If a major blaze had happened Saturday in Herculaneum, there would have been plenty of help on hand to deal with the incident.
Dozens of fire departments were at the Herculaneum Fairgrounds with personnel and equipment for the 15th Annual Jeffco Fire Engine Rally for a day of firefighter games, fire-fighting demonstrations and other activities, including up-close viewing of fire trucks from around the metropolitan area.
"We’ve had a good turnout," Herculaneum Fire Chief Bill Haggard said. "There’s something like 65 trucks."
There were also several helicopters and representatives of other emergency response agencies, such as police and ambulance services. The Jefferson County Fire Fighters Association sponsors the event, which is open to the public.
It’s a rare opportunity for firefighters from different districts to get together in a situation other than battling a fire, Haggard said.
"I look forward to it," he said. "It ‘s something fun for all the firefighters."
Other fire-fighting officials spoke of their appreciation for the event.
"It brings all the fire departments in the county and surrounding counties together to enjoy yourself and see people you wouldn’t normally see," Festus Fire Chief Charlie Cayce said. "I just came out to enjoy the camaraderie of all the firefighters."
"This is our first year," said Mike Schweiss of the Eureka Fire Protection District. "I hope to make it an annual thing. I think it’s a good experience for the community."
Kevin Baker and Phil Wilson of the Herculaneum Fire Department said the event provides a wealth of new ideas and information for firefighters to pass to each other.
"It’s nice to see all the fire districts in the county get together," Baker said. "We share ideas. It’s nice to walk through all the trucks for when you’re looking to buy a truck."
"We have vendors come in with new equipment, showing their stuff," Wilson added. "It’s helpful, having them come to us."
With a number of special activities for little ones, the event drew many families. Kristie Marnin, 33, and Jason Marnin, 31, of Pevely, brought their children, Chase, 5, and Emilynn, 2.
"They were awestruck at the firefighters’ challenge," Jason said,. "I was, too."
"We heard about it two years ago," Kristie said. "I like it."
Frank Cameron, 68, of Herculaneum, attended the event with members of his family.
"It’s enjoyable for the kids and the older folks," he said. "It seems like everybody had a good time. The kids like to go up and down checking out all the fire trucks and the helicopters."
Haggard said that event organizers have been fortunate to not have had a major blaze occur anywhere in the county on the annual rally days.
"A couple years ago – it turned out to be nothing – one of the departments called for help," he said. "It turned out to be a minor incident."
The winners of Jefferson County Fire Fighters Association annual awards, as well as award winners from the rally, are listed below.
Jefferson County Fire Fighters Association Awards
Spouse of the Year: Connie Yokley, Goldman Fire Protection District.
Meritorious Action Award: Chris Baker, Herculaneum Fire Department.
Fire Chief of the Year: Bob Dunn, Shady Valley & Springdale Fire Protection Districts.
Fire Department of the Year: Shady Valley & Springdale Fire Protection Districts.
Jeffco Fire Engine Rally Awards
Bucket Brigade: 1. Crystal City. 2. Wright City. 3. Warrenton. 4. Desloge. 5. St. Charles.
Firefighter Challenge: 1. Warrenton. 2. Wright City. 3. Desloge. 4. Crystal City. 5. Pike County. 6. Wright City. 7. St. Charles No. 2. 8. St. Charles No. 1.
Water Fight: 1. Pike County. 2. Desloge No. 2. 3. Crystal City. 4. Desloge No. 1. 5. Warrenton. 6. St. Charles No. 1. 7. St. Charles No. 2. 8. Wright City No. 1.
Overall Winner (three-way tie): Crystal City, Warrenton and Wright City.
Apparatus Awards
Farthest Traveled: Warrenton Fire Protection District.
Oldest Pumper in Service: Crystal City Fire Department.
Best Overall Pumper-Modern: Antonia Fire Protection District.
Judge’s Award: Missouri Region C Search & Rescue.
Newest Pumper in Service: Shady Valley Fire Protection District.
Best Lettering/Detailing: Joachim Plattin Ambulance District.
Best EMS Apparatus: Rock Township Ambulance District.
Best Overall Rescue Apparatus: Rock Community Fire Protection District.
Best Overall Brush Apparatus: Kinsey Volunteer Fire Department.
Best Overall Antique Apparatus-Motorized: Todd and Daniel Mann.
Best Overall Antique Apparatus-Non-motorized: De Soto City Fire Department.
Best Overall Support Apparatus: Boles Fire Protection District.
