This past weekend, our recruit class had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the EMS and air medical services they will work alongside in the field. Recruits spent time orienting to both EMS services that serve our district, learning about their ambulances, equipment, and capabilities. They also had the opportunity to work with the University of Missouri Air Medical Services and get an up-close look at the helicopter and its equipment. The class walked through establishing a safe landing zone, communicating with the flight crew from the ground, and understanding what firefighters can do to support helicopter operations during an emergency. Experiences like these help our recruits understand that emergency response is a team effort. Building familiarity with our partner agencies now will help them work safely and effectively alongside them once they begin responding to calls throughout Boone County. Thank you to Boone Health EMS MU Health Care Emergency Medical Services & MU Air Medical Services for taking time out of your day to spend time with us. We appreciate you! Another great weekend of training for Recruit Class 2026-2! #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #Volunteer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Missouri Task Force 1 Nears Completion of Flood Response Mission BOONE COUNTY, Mo. — July 12, 2026 — Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1), an urban search and rescue team sponsored by the Boone County Fire Protection District, is nearing completion of its flood response mission in southeast Missouri following three operational periods supporting statewide response efforts in Reynolds and Iron counties. Since arriving on Friday, Missouri Task Force 1 search and rescue personnel have worked from sunrise to sunset conducting systematic primary searches of flood-impacted homes, campers and vehicles. Operating by both boat and on foot, crews covered multiple miles of flooded waterways and surrounding terrain, ensuring damaged structures were searched and confirming the welfare of residents who remained sheltered on higher ground. Throughout the deployment, team members operated in extreme heat, high humidity and rapidly changing conditions while continuing search operations in areas heavily impacted by floodwaters. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to serving others remained evident throughout the mission. To date, Missouri Task Force 1 has completed primary searches of more than 100 damaged structures, more than 90 damaged campers and more than 120 damaged vehicles. The district's Disaster Situational Assessment and Reconnaissance (DSAR) team also played a significant role throughout the operation, mapping more than 1,500 acres and collecting more than 6,000 assessment images. Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the team provided incident commanders with timely aerial imagery and mapping products that supported operational planning and resource deployment as conditions evolved. Throughout the deployment, Missouri Task Force 1 members were welcomed by local officials, emergency responders and residents across the affected communities. Their cooperation, hospitality and unwavering support greatly assisted response efforts and reflected the strength of Missouri's mutual aid system. "We're proud to have had the opportunity to assist our fellow Missourians during this historic flooding event," said Fire Chief Doug Westhoff. "When communities call for help, that's exactly what Missouri Task Force 1 was built to do." Missouri Task Force 1 is expected to conclude its mission and return to Boone County on Monday, pending final operational assignments from local officials and Missouri State Emergency Management Agency. #bcfpd #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #ahelpinghand

Today is the 56th Anniversary of the Boone County Fire Protection District. Prior to 1964, there was no fire protection in rural Boone County. After an elderly lady helplessly burned to death in her home west of Columbia, members of the Central Missouri Radio Squad, a local CB radio club, formed what would ultimately become the Boone County Volunteer Fire Department. Using donations and money from bake sales and turkey shoots, the newly created department built its first fire station and started training its members. Donated milk and tire repair trucks, and several pieces of military surplus equipment were converted into the first fire apparatus fleet. In 1967, the fledgling fire department purchased a 1954 pumper. This fire truck now resides at BCFPD Station 8 as Truman’s Taxi, which drives Truman the Tiger around Faurot Field during MU home football games. Additional trucks and equipment were purchased. But times were tough, and those early volunteers often had to buy gas for the trucks out of their own pockets. In 1969, Missouri statutes changed to make it slightly easier to form fire protection districts in rural Missouri. Boone County was one of the first to try, which led to the election that created the Boone County Fire Protection District. On July 11, 1970, 604 voters in the proposed fire district voted to authorize the formation of the Boone County Fire Protection District. The vote was 375 for and 229 against – a 62% approval rate. After the election, the assets of the Boone County Volunteer Fire Department were turned over to the newly created Fire District. This included a 40’ x 60’ metal fire station on Route PP in Columbia and 7 pieces of rolling stock. Some 30 volunteer firefighters staffed the organization. By July, efforts had already begun to establish additional fire station sites in Rocheport, Hallsville, and Harrisburg. Today, the Boone County Fire Protection District has grown to be the largest volunteer fire department in the state of Missouri, and one of the largest in the United States. The Boone County Fire Protection District has grown to cover nearly 500 square miles of central and northern Boone County. The fire district now has 15 stations, a headquarters facility, a training center, 65 operational apparatus and vehicles and we respond to more than 4200 fire, medical, rescue, and other incidents each year. The fire district is also the sponsoring agency for Missouri Task Force 1. This DHS/FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force is one of only 28 in the nation. Responding to calls for help is the most important thing that we do. We do it day in and day out right here in Boone County, throughout the state of Missouri, and across the nation. Our motto “A Helping Hand”, coined by our founding members, exemplifies the core values of our organization. It is our members’ dedication and passion that makes the Fire District what it is. “Our success continues to rest on the strength of our volunteer backbone. Every member, past and present, has played a role in building the tradition of service, professionalism, and community commitment that defines our district today.” — Fire Chief Doug Westhoff #bcfpd #volunteer #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

Boone County Fire Protection District Firefighters Rescue Fawn from Lake, Reunite It with Mother. Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) firefighters rescued a young fawn Saturday afternoon after it became stranded in the middle of a lake near the 3400 block of West Route K. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene after fishermen noticed the fawn struggling to stay afloat and immediately called. Crews quickly arrived and found the exhausted fawn still in the water while its anxious mother watched from the nearby shoreline. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, firefighters entered the water and safely swam the fawn back to shore. The grateful fawn accepted a helping hand from Lieutenant Workman before being reunited with its mother. We're happy to report the rescue was a success, and the young deer appeared unharmed as it returned to the nearby woods with its mom. #bcfpd #volunteer #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Boone County Fire Protection District Deploys Specialty Teams to Assist Historic Flooding Response in Reynolds, and Iron Counties. BOONE COUNTY, Mo. — July, 11th 2026 --- The Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) deployed multiple specialty resources yesterday to support statewide flood response operations in Reynolds, and Iron counties, where flash flooding overwhelmed roadways, campgrounds and waterways following historic rainfall. Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1), an urban search and rescue team sponsored by BCFPD, deployed as a Type 3 team on Friday morning and was augmented to Type 1 team a few hours later. The deployment included swift water rescue capabilities as well as six search canines, consisting of three live-find K9s and three human remains detection (HRD) K9s. BCFPD's Helicopter Search and Rescue Team (HSART) worked alongside the Missouri Air National Guard to provide aerial rescue capability, assisting in the evacuation of more than 200 campers and staff from Camp Taum Sauk. The district's Disaster Situational Assessment and Reconnaissance (DSAR) team deployed alongside MO-TF1, providing incident commanders with real-time aerial reconnaissance, disaster mapping and live video from the field using small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The capability provided critical situational awareness to support operational decision-making as conditions rapidly evolved. "This historic flooding required the response of multiple specialty disaster response elements provided by the Boone County Fire Protection District and Missouri Task Force 1 in support of the state's coordinated flood response," said Fire Chief Doug Westhoff. The deployments reflect BCFPD's role in statewide mutual aid, extending specialized rescue and reconnaissance capabilities beyond Boone County when other jurisdictions need them. #bcfpd #ahelpinghand #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors

Boone County Fire Protection District Welcomes 16 Recruits for 2026-2 Fire Academy COLUMBIA, Mo. (July 9, 2026) – The Boone County Fire Protection District has welcomed 16 recruits into its 2026-2 Recruit Academy, where they will spend the next five months preparing to serve Boone County as firefighter EMTs. The academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on skills training, live-fire exercises, emergency medical education, and realistic emergency scenarios designed to prepare recruits for the challenges of serving their community. By the end of the five-month program, recruits will have completed the education and training required to become certified firefighters and licensed emergency medical technicians. Each member of the class has chosen to dedicate countless hours away from family, work, and personal commitments to prepare for a life of service to others. Over the next five months, they will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to respond when their community calls. The 2026-2 Recruit Academy is scheduled to graduate in November 2026. The Boone County Fire Protection District will continue to share updates as the class progresses through training. Individuals interested in serving their community are encouraged to submit an application for the District's 2027-1 Recruit Academy. Additional information is available at bcfdmo.com Attached picture of 14 out our 16 new recruits #bcfpd #volunteer #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

Two Years Later: Remembering Assistant Chief Matt Tobben Two years ago today, we lost Assistant Chief Matt Tobben of the Boone County Fire Protection District. On the morning of July 8, 2024, he was assisting the Columbia Fire Department with a swiftwater rescue on Bear Creek in Columbia, MO when the rescue boat he was operating lost power, capsized, and Chief Tobben along with a Columbia Firefighter and the two victims that were rescued, were thrown into the current. The two civilians and the other firefighter were rescued downstream, however Chief Tobben never resurfaced. Chief Tobben gave his life so others could live. Matt was just 42 years old and became our Training Chief in May of 2024. He brought with him 19 years of firefighting and rescue experience from the Union Fire Protection District and Missouri Task Force 1. Chief Tobben was known for his unwavering dedication and his willingness to “go first” on every call. He gave every ounce of his heart and skill to protect others. Though a two years have passed, the legacy of Chief Tobben’s bravery still resonates in every firefighter he trained, every life he touched, and every mission he led. His sacrifice reminds us daily of the courage it takes to serve others selflessly. We carry his memory forward in our work, in our training, and in the way we care for one another. Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben End of Watch: July 8, 2024 We will never forget.

Boone County Fire Protection District Completes Challenging Technical Vehicle Extrication Columbia, Mo. — July 4, 2026 — Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) firefighters completed a challenging technical rescue late Friday night after responding to a single-vehicle crash with a trapped occupant in the 9200 block of N Brown Station Rd. BCFPD was dispatched at 10:31 p.m. Friday, July 3. Initial reports indicated a vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree, leaving the sole occupant trapped inside. A BCFPD officer arrived on scene at 10:35 p.m. and found the vehicle had sustained significant damage, leaving the occupant severely pinned inside. Crews immediately began stabilizing the vehicle and initiated extrication operations. As firefighters worked through the complex rescue, they employed advanced vehicle extrication techniques and methodically removed portions of the vehicle to safely access the occupant. Due to the complexity of the incident and the potential need for aerial lifting operations, a Columbia, MO Fire Department ladder truck was requested. While aerial lifting ultimately was not required, firefighters from both departments worked seamlessly throughout the operation, combining personnel, equipment, and expertise to ensure every available rescue option was in place. Crews successfully freed the occupant, who was transferred to awaiting EMS personnel and transported to University Hospital. We appreciate the assistance provided by our partners at the Columbia Fire Department and the collaborative, cross-agency effort that led to a successful outcome in a technically demanding rescue. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Boone County Sheriff's Office - MO. #bcfpd #ahelpinghand #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors

BCFPD Summer Safety Series Sparklers are often thought of as one of the safest fireworks, but they can still cause serious burns if they're not used properly. Children should always be closely supervised around sparklers and fireworks, and sparklers should never be given to young children. If you're celebrating with sparklers this Independence Day, keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, and make sure used sparklers have completely cooled before disposing of them. A few simple precautions can help keep your celebration safe for everyone. #bcfpd #SummerSafetySeries #FireworksSafety #IndependenceDay #neighborshelpingneighbors

Fireworks Season Is Here - Introducing the Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) Summer Safety Series! Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, fireworks, vacations, and spending more time outdoors. As Independence Day approaches, the Boone County Fire Protection District will be sharing a series of summer safety reminders to help keep our community safe. Over the next several days, we'll focus on fireworks safety, grilling safety, and other seasonal topics with simple, practical tips that can help prevent injuries and fires. We encourage you to follow along, share these posts with your family and friends, and help us spread important safety information throughout Boone County. Have a safe and enjoyable summer! #bcfpd #SummerSafetySeries #FireworksSafety #IndependenceDay #neighborshelpingneighbors #Volunteer #ahelpinghand

Last week, members of the Boone County Fire Protection District provided the Boone County CERT Team with basic instruction on cribbing techniques, air bags, levers, and rollers. Training like this helps build the foundational skills needed to safely support emergency operations. Thank you to everyone who participated. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #Volunteer

This morning, E1201 and the 54 (better known to many as Truman’s Taxi) participated in the Juneteenth Celebration Parade in downtown Columbia. It was a beautiful morning!

Boone County Fire Protection District Assisting Springfield Fire Department with Recovery Operations. Columbia, Mo. (June 18, 2026) – At the request of the Springfield Fire Department, the Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) deployed specialized search resources to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts following the incident at the Lake Springfield dam. On Tuesday, June 16, the Boone County Fire Protection District's Special Operations Bureau Chief coordinated a mutual aid response by selecting two specialized K-9 teams and a Search Team Manager from Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1). The request was made directly by the Springfield Fire Department and was not part of a state or federal deployment. The deployment package departed Boone County Fire Protection District Headquarters at 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, arriving in Springfield and beginning operations at approximately 7:30 a.m. Team members continue to assist alongside personnel from numerous local and regional agencies. The deployed K-9 teams provide highly specialized search capabilities that support complex search and recovery operations in challenging environments. These resources are maintained as part of Missouri Task Force 1, a division of the Boone County Fire Protection District, and are available to assist partner agencies when requested. The Springfield Fire Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol remain the primary sources of information regarding the overall incident and ongoing recovery efforts. The Boone County Fire Protection District will continue to provide updates regarding its personnel and resources as additional information becomes available. #bcfpd #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors #Volunteer

As the clouds started rolling in this evening, crews were out conducting water supply training. The changing weather made for a great back drop and some pretty impressive photos. Thank you to the Harrisburg R-8 School District for allowing us to use your parking lot for training.

⛔️ FLOOD SAFETY ALERT ⛔️ Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall have moved through Boone County, and additional rain remains in the forecast overnight and into Monday. Saturated ground conditions, full creeks, and continued runoff mean flooding can develop quickly, even if the rain has temporarily stopped. A Flood Watch remains in effect for Boone County, and localized flash flooding remains possible, especially in low-lying areas, near creeks and streams, and on roadways that commonly collect water. 🚫 Avoid floodwaters at all costs. Never walk, swim, or drive through flooded areas. Floodwater is often deeper than it appears and may conceal washed-out roadways, debris, culverts, or other hazards beneath the surface. 🚗 Turn Around, Don’t Drown • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet • Just 12 inches of moving water can carry away most vehicles • Most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles ⚠️ If you encounter water covering a roadway, turn around and find an alternate route. No destination is worth the risk. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #Volunteer

🚨 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR MISSOURI TASK FORCE 1 🚨 Do you have what it takes? Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1) is actively accepting applications for the 2027 Recruit Class. If you’re interested in becoming part of one of the nation’s 28 FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Task Forces, now is the time to apply. Applicants must submit their application and certifications by July 31st 2026 📋 Start preparing now: • Gather copies of certifications and licenses • Update your résumé and training records • Secure letters of recommendation • Review position requirements and expectations 👉 Read about FEMA urban search and rescue task forces here: responsesystem.org/thesystem 👉 Read position descriptions here: bcfdmo.com/wp-content/upload… 👉 Apply here: bcfdmo.com/mo-task-force-1/j… Important things to remember: • Applicants must live within a 3-hour driving distance of Boone County Fire Protection District Headquarters • Members must be able to meet the training and deployment requirements of a FEMA Type 1 Urban Search & Rescue Task Force • MO-TF1 is made up of highly trained personnel from agencies across Missouri Step up, get prepared, and take your shot at being part of Missouri’s elite team of responders. 🇺🇸

Today, members of the Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) and Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1 were honored to participate in the CoMo Gold Star Memorial Day Parade in downtown Columbia. Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, while also recognizing the families who continue to carry that loss each and every day. We are grateful to stand alongside our community in honoring our fallen heroes and the Gold Star families whose strength and sacrifice should never be forgotten. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, participants, and everyone who came out today to support this meaningful event. #bcfpd #MemorialDay

This Memorial Day weekend, members of the Boone County Fire Protection District continued a long-standing tradition of traveling across Boone County to visit and honor the final resting places of members who came before us. Each year, past and present members spend the Friday leading into Memorial Day weekend remembering the firefighters, officers, board members and friends who helped build this department into what it is today. Along the way, stories are shared, memories are revisited, and newer members are given the opportunity to learn about the men and women who paved the way for future generations of BCFPD. Traditions like this serve as a reminder that the fire service is more than a job or organization, it is a family built over generations of service, sacrifice, and commitment to the community. This weekend, we remember those no longer with us, and we honor the lasting impact they continue to have on our department. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #Volunteer

⛔️ FLOOD WATER SAFETY ALERT ⛔️ A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Boone County this evening. Heavy rain has already caused flooding across the area, with more rain expected. Flash flooding is occurring in creeks, low-lying areas, roads, and underpasses, including areas throughout Columbia, Ashland, Centralia, Hallsville, and along I-70. 🚫 Avoid floodwaters at all costs Never walk, swim, or drive through flooded areas. Water can be deeper than it appears and may hide debris, washed-out roads, or open hazards. 🚗 Turn Around, Don’t Drown • Just 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet • Just 12 inches can carry away a vehicle • Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles ⚠️ If you encounter water over the roadway, turn around. Find another route. Stay alert, slow down, and keep yourself and your family safe. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #volunteer

National Volunteer Week 2026! We proudly recognize the incredible individuals who give their time, heart, and energy to serve as volunteers with the Boone County Fire Protection District. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, supporting public safety events, or training alongside their fellow firefighters, our volunteers are the backbone of our mission. They don’t do it for recognition or reward, they do it because they care deeply about this community and the people in it. To each and every one of you: thank you for showing up, for lending a helping hand when others are in need, and for representing the best of what the Boone County Fire Protection District is all about. Your dedication makes a difference, every day. We see you. We appreciate you. And we’re proud to serve with you. #bcfpd #ahelpinghand #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors