Boone County Fire

Stop by and see us at the today at the COMO Man Show! Boone County Fire Protection District firefighters are at the Boone County Fairgrounds helping share important community risk reduction and fire safety information with our community. Stop by our booth to learn more about: 🔥 Fire extinguishers and home fire safety 🚨 Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms 🏠 Home escape plans 🌪️ Severe weather safety We also have fire safety coloring books and activities for kids, and you can check out Truman’s Taxi up close while you’re here. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a volunteer Firefighter or EMS Responder with the Boone County Fire Protection District, we’d also be happy to visit with you and answer any questions. We’ll be here until 3:00 p.m. Come say hello! #bcfpd #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #firesafety

Attention, Hallsville Community! Our dedicated firefighters will be conducting a training exercise at 405 E Highway 124 in Hallsville. You may notice increased activity in the area as our team practices essential skills to keep our community safe. We will be here until 5:00 p.m. this evening. This training is part of our ongoing commitment to readiness and excellence, ensuring we’re prepared for any emergency. There will be NO LIVE FIRE. We appreciate your support as we work to improve our service to you. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #volunteer #ahelpinghand

We’d like to give a shoutout to Firefighter/EMT Syerra Sorber for sharing her story and representing the Boone County Fire Protection District on the Love Columbia Public Safety Testimonial Page. We’re proud of the dedicated members who serve our community every day, and we appreciate Syerra taking the time to highlight the fire service and the work being done here in Boone County. If you’d like to read more public safety testimonials from those working in emergency services, you can find them here: lovecolumbia.org/public-safety If you would like to join Syerra in being a volunteer Firefighter or EMS Responder with the Boone County Fire Protection District visit: bcfdmo.com/recruitment/ab… Great work, Syerra! #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #volunteer

Today, admin staff from the Boone County Fire Protection District and the Columbia, MO Fire Department met for lunch and great conversations. Building connections outside of emergency responses helps strengthen the working relationships that support the work our firefighters do every day. We look forward to continuing these meetings and the ongoing conversations that help our organizations work together to serve this great community. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand

The Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) is proud to welcome Chuck Doss as the Assistant Chief of the Operations Bureau. Assistant Chief Doss brings nearly three decades of experience in the fire service and emergency medical field. His career began in 1997 with the Battlefield Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter, where he quickly discovered a passion for helping people during their most difficult moments. In 1999, Doss moved to Columbia and joined the Boone County Fire Protection District, where he served until 2004 and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant within the Training Bureau. He then spent seven years with the Olathe Fire Department, gaining valuable experience in a growing and progressive organization. Doss returned to Boone County Fire Protection District in 2011, serving in a variety of roles within training and operations and ultimately promoting to Battalion Chief. In 2021, he transitioned to MU Health Care, where he led Pre-Hospital Services until 2026, focusing on EMS operations, quality improvement, and workforce development. Returning to the Boone County Fire Protection District, Assistant Chief Doss brings a leadership philosophy centered on building strong teams and strong systems. Throughout his career, he has focused not only on emergency response but also on improving training, strengthening organizational systems, and developing future leaders, ensuring that the service delivered to the community is professional, prepared, and compassionate every time. Doss holds a master’s degree and has completed the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program, experiences that helped shape his approach to organizational leadership, performance improvement, and long-term strategic thinking. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Rotary International, organizations that have influenced his professional development and commitment to service. As Assistant Chief of Operations, Doss emphasizes a leadership style that adapts to the situation, clear and decisive during emergency operations, while focusing on coaching and leadership development outside of incident response. His core values include integrity, accountability, preparation, and service. One of his top priorities in this new role is ensuring the safety and well-being of the district’s members, while also supporting the station leadership teams that play a critical role in engaging and retaining volunteers. He is committed to empowering leaders, removing obstacles, and ensuring members have the training, tools, and support they need to succeed. Looking ahead, Assistant Chief Doss recognizes both the challenges and opportunities facing the fire service, including changing call demands, financial pressures, and the evolving role of volunteer firefighters. At the same time, he believes the district’s strong community support and collaborative relationships with partner agencies provide a solid foundation for continued success. For Doss, serving Boone County reflects the district’s long-standing motto: “A Helping Hand.” He believes service is about responsibility, showing up for neighbors in need, supporting one another within the department, and carrying forward the traditions of professionalism and compassion passed down by previous generations of firefighters. Outside of work, Doss enjoys spending time with his family and children, often attending their practices, games, and activities. He values the lessons sports teach, resilience, teamwork, discipline, and humility, lessons he believes are equally important in the fire service. As he steps into this new leadership role, Assistant Chief Doss shared this message with the department and community: “The work we do matters, and the people who do it matter. My commitment is to provide clear expectations, steady leadership, and support as we continue to raise the standard together.” #bcfpd #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

Please help us congratulate Emergency Medical Responder Tamara Schmitz, on earning her blue helmet! Assigned to Boone County Fire Station 1 Lake of the Woods, Tamara has invested hundreds of hours completing all probationary requirements with the Boone County Fire Protection District proving to be a very capable helping hand. We are very proud of you Tamara, thank you for your hard work and dedication! Tamara receiving her blue helmet (center of picture) from her Squad Leader Michael Magnusson with the Station 1 crew in the background showing their support. #bcfpd #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand

The Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) is proud to announce Doug Westhoff as the District’s new Fire Chief. Chief Westhoff brings a lifetime of dedication to the fire service and a deep connection to Boone County. A fourth-generation fire chief, he grew up immersed in the profession. His father, Bill Westhoff, served as the first Fire Chief of the Boone County Fire Protection District and as Director of the University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute. That early influence helped inspire a lifelong commitment to public safety and service to the community. Chief Westhoff began his career in emergency services as a Joint Communications Operator from 1980 to 1983. At just 16 years old, he started volunteering with the Boone County Fire Protection District, rising through the ranks as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain at Station 1. He also served the community for nearly two decades as a Paramedic with Boone Hospital Ambulance Service (1983–2000), including 10 years as the Ambulance Service Manager from 1990 to 2000. In 2000, Chief Westhoff joined the Boone County Fire Protection District full-time. Throughout his career he has served in numerous leadership roles including Division Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, and Deputy Chief of Operations. His leadership responsibilities have included overseeing Training, Special Operations and serving as the Program Manager for Missouri Task Force 1, one of FEMA’s 28 Urban Search and Rescue teams. Chief Westhoff has been one of the most deployed members of Missouri Task Force 1, responding to nearly 40 national and state disasters. Among his most notable deployments were the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, where he served as a Task Force Leader at Ground Zero in New York City, and the response to Hurricane Katrina following the storm that devastated Louisiana. He also serves as an Operations Section Chief on the FEMA Incident Support Team and has represented Missouri Task Force 1 in nearly 500 public presentations. His leadership philosophy has been shaped by decades of service and mentorship, including teaching leadership alongside his father. Chief Westhoff is highly trained in FEMA’s Incident Command System, with experience across all major command functions including incident command, operations, logistics, planning, and finance. He has also participated in professional development through organizations and institutions such as FFAM, the National Fire Academy, MUFRTI, All-Hazards Management programs, and numerous fire service leadership schools. As Fire Chief, Westhoff emphasizes leadership grounded in people, service, and authenticity. He describes his leadership style as inclusive during routine operations and steady during challenging times, guided by his father’s belief that it is the organization’s responsibility to help every member find their place to serve. Looking ahead, Chief Westhoff's priorities include maintaining forward progress for the district, adapting to the changing dynamics of the fire service, and always focusing on the people who make up the organization. He recognizes challenges facing the fire service, including evolving risks, cancer prevention efforts, shifts in volunteerism, and the impacts of community growth and annexation. For Chief Westhoff, serving Boone County is deeply personal. He describes the mission simply: to be an active participant in improving the lives of our friends and neighbors. He believes a strong fire department culture is built on family, dedication, and servant leadership, and he is committed to strengthening relationships within the department and the community through open, honest, face-to-face communication. Outside of work, Chief Westhoff enjoys spending time with family and friends and being outdoors. “Be passionate about your commitment, engage enthusiastically, commit to lifelong learning, and maintain a strong community service mindset.” #bcfpd #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

Two horses that were trapped deep in mud during a difficult rescue near Harrisburg are now back home and doing well. On February 25th at 7:17 p.m., Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) firefighters were dispatched to the 8400 block of Gray Road near Harrisburg for a reported large animal rescue involving two horses trapped in deep mud. Firefighters arrived on scene to find both horses stuck in a muddy lagoon that was in the process of being filled in. The animals had become trapped in extremely soft mud, buried deep enough that only their heads remained above the surface and they were unable to free themselves. Using specialized large animal rescue equipment, harnesses, and coordinated lifting techniques, firefighters worked for several hours in the unstable conditions to safely free both horses. Once removed, the animals were transported for veterinary evaluation. Earlier today, many of the firefighters involved in the rescue had the opportunity to visit the farm and see the horses back home. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with the owners and see firsthand the positive outcome of the rescue. BCFPD maintains a specialized Large Animal Rescue Team trained to safely respond to incidents involving livestock and other large animals. These rescues can be complex and physically demanding, often involving unstable ground, water, or muddy conditions. Through specialized training and equipment, firefighters are able to safely assist animals and their owners when these incidents occur. Two engines, a rescue squad, the BCFPD Large Animal Rescue trailer, and 19 firefighters responded to the incident along with veterinarians from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #volunteer #ahelpinghand

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8. ⏰ #springforward When you change your clocks, take a minute to test your smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. It’s a simple step that helps keep your family safe. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #volunteer

Boone County Fire Protection District Station 6 firefighters providing standby coverage this evening at Sturgeon R-V School District for the MSHSSA Class 2 Girls Basketball Quarterfinal. Good luck to both teams! #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #volunteer #ahelpinghand

At 10:26 a.m. today, your Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) firefighters responded to Waterfront Drive for a report of a cat stuck high in a tree. Firefighters quickly assessed the situation, safely rescued the cat, and reunited it with its very grateful owner. We’re happy to report the cat is doing well and these firefighters were able to cross one more item off the classic firefighter job description. 🐈🚒🧑‍🚒 #bcfpd #Volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand

This morning at 6:44 a.m., Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) firefighters responded to Snead Drive for a reported residential structure fire. Fire units arrived on scene in just four minutes and found a split-level, two-story residence with heavy fire and smoke showing. Firefighters quickly deployed multiple hose lines and made an aggressive attack on the fire. Crews made entry through both the garage and the front door simultaneously, attacking the fire while also ensuring that everyone had safely evacuated the home. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control and then spent several hours completing overhaul, removing ceiling and insulation to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. The homeowners were alerted by the smell of smoke, allowing them to quickly evacuate and call 911. Three engines, two tankers, and 22 firefighters responded as well as one ambulance from MU Health Care Emergency Medical Services. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. #bcfpd #volunteer #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

Please help us congratulate Firefighter-EMT Dane Horn, on earning his red helmet! Assigned to Station 1 at Lake of the Woods, Dane has invested hundreds of hours completing all Firefighter-EMT probationary requirements with the Boone County Fire Protection District proving to be a very capable helping hand. We are very proud of you Dane, thank you for your hard work and dedication! Pictured left to right is Firefighter Michael Magnusson, Firefighter Dane Horn and Station 1 Captain Ben Coe. #bcfpd #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand

‼️ELEVATED FIRE DANGER THIS WEEK‼️ The US National Weather Service Saint Louis Missouri has identified elevated fire danger across our region due to gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry ground cover. While Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be especially concerning, conditions throughout the week will not be favorable for outdoor burning. Dry grasses, dormant vegetation, and agricultural debris can ignite easily and spread rapidly under these weather patterns. Fires that start in these conditions can behave unpredictably and move faster than expected. We strongly encourage residents to avoid outdoor burning this week. Use extreme caution with any open flames, properly dispose of smoking materials, and take steps to prevent accidental ignition. If you are considering burning, please reconsider. Waiting for safer conditions helps protect your neighbors and our community. #bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #volunteer

Just before 1:00 a.m., Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) firefighters responded to Edgewood Dr. in Hallsville for a reported residential structure fire. Crews arrived in just three minutes, made contact with the occupants outside the home, and began investigating reports of smoke and a burning odor inside the structure. Firefighters determined the source to be a malfunctioning furnace and mitigated the hazard. The residents were alerted by working smoke alarms, allowing them to safely evacuate before calling 911. Working smoke alarms save lives. Please test yours regularly. Two engines, two tankers, one squad, and 12 firefighters responded as well as one ambulance from Boone Health EMS. No injuries were reported. #bcfpd #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand

ELEVATED FIRE DANGER! AVOID BURNING! Grasses and weeds are dead or dormant, meaning they won’t retain moisture. This leaves ground cover extremely dry, and fires can spread rapidly, even with little wind. #bcfpd #volunteer #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

Yesterday at 4:38 p.m., Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFPD) firefighters responded to S. Hill Creek Road for a reported residential structure fire. Fire units arrived on scene in just four minutes and found a two-story residence with significant fire and smoke coming from the garage. Firefighters quickly deployed multiple hose lines and made an aggressive attack on the fire. Crews also made entry through the front door and stopped the fire from spreading into the home’s living space. Firefighters identified extension into the attic space on the second story and completed several hours of salvage and overhaul, removing ceiling and insulation to ensure the fire had not spread further. The homeowner arrived home to find smoke and fire coming from the garage and was able to safely retrieve his pets while calling 911. No one else was home at the time of the fire. Three engines, three tankers, 1 squad, and 31 firefighters responded as well as one ambulance from MU Health Care Emergency Medical Services. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. #bcfpd #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand

This past weekend, your Boone County Fire Protection District firefighters dedicated time to hands-on training in an acquired structure to better serve our community. An acquired structure is a building scheduled for demolition that can be safely used for realistic training, and we want to extend a sincere thank you to the Hallsville School District for allowing us to use their facility. Opportunities like this are incredibly valuable. Training in a real structure allows firefighters to practice in realistic layouts and conditions that can’t be fully replicated on the drill ground. It helps ensure our crews are prepared, confident, and ready to respond when our community needs them most. Throughout the day, firefighters rotated through multiple hands-on training stations, including hose deployment and movement, search and rescue techniques, forcible entry and exit, and firefighter survival and Mayday operations. These scenarios strengthen skills, teamwork, and decision-making in real-world environments. What makes this even more meaningful is the dedication behind it. Our volunteer firefighters gave up an entire Saturday to hone their skills, improve their readiness, and continue striving to be the best for the community they serve. That commitment, day in and day out, is what helps keep our neighbors safe. We are grateful for community partners like the Hallsville School District who support public safety training and help make opportunities like this possible. Thank you for investing in the preparedness of those who protect our community. #bcfpd #volunteer #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors