Thank you to our local firefighters for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our community!
Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department
Dee Duering, Chief
Brett Johnson, 1st Ass’t. Chief
Cody Helfers, 2nd Ass’t. Chief
Archie Agnew, Fleet Manager
Matt Auwarter, President
Ky White, Vice-President
Brandon Reed, Secretary
Trevor Brown, Treasurer
Erica Auwarter
John Brown
T.J. Giddinge
Curtis Grossman
Rick Kemerling
Cole Simmons
Benny Stark
Steve Stevens
Auxiliary/Junior Firemen:
Tyler Brown
Austin Helfers
Mike Lewis
Cole Miller
Josh Smith
Miles Smith
Rock Port Volunteer Fire Department & West Atchison Fire Protection District
Scott Jones, Chief
Chad Ottmann, 1st Ass’t. Chief
Trent Shineman, 2nd Ass’t. Chief
Jason Watkins, Secretary/Treasurer
Eric Abbott
Dan Athen
James Barnhart
Mark Bennington
Drake Daugherty
Mike Daugherty
Kyle Driskell
W.C. Farmer
Alan Lager
Treyton Lewis
Jacob McKenney
Kory Paris
Chad Schomburg
Stephen Schniedermeyer
Dillon Smith
Tarkio Volunteer Fire Department
Mike Shaw, Chief
Allen Wennihan, 1st Ass’t. Chief
Kevin Sundermann, 2nd Ass’t. Chief
Charlie Bolin
Shane Bredensteiner
Carmelo Calandro
Tommy Dow
John Driskell
Wyatt Driskell
Titus Eaton
Raymond Gebhards, Jr.
Charlie Kirwan
Danny McCoy
Slade Rosenbohm
Tim Scott
Nic Schebaum
Heith Shaw
Keaton Shaw
Ryan Sutter
Craig Vance
Dakota Wooten
Anden Wright
Watson Volunteer Fire Department
Tom Gibson, Jr., Chief
Jody Ellison, Ass’t. Chief
Seth Gaines, Secretary/Treasurer
Chance Esser
Trey Garst
Cody Gibson
Jacob Gibson
Matt Gibson
Rod Meinders
Tim Whelan
Westboro Volunteer Fire Department
Ronnie Bruce, Chief
Chris Stevens, Ass’t. Chief
Mark Manchester, Secretary
Gary Bogenreif, Treasurer
Steve Klute, Board Member
Alan McNaughton, Board Member
Bobby Vette, Board Member
Spencer Barnes
Jeff Hall
Norbert Henry
Clint Hogue
Jason Leseberg
Shane McNaughton
Shelby McNaughton
Slade McNaughton
Brian Peregrine
Jim Quimby
Bryan Richards
Justin Riggins
Mike Rolf
John Strauch
Daryl Wiley
Shannon Wiley
Jeff Williams
Fire Prevention Week 2025 focuses on safe use of battery-powered devices and understanding fire risks related to tech devices
Americans increasingly rely on smartphones, tablets, headphones, power tools, toys and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries that if used incorrectly or damaged, can overheat, start a fire or explode. National Fire Prevention Week 2025 – October 5 to 11 – focuses on understanding the risks these devices may pose and how to buy, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely to reduce risks.
“Many people don’t realize it, but virtually every electronic device that is rechargeable uses lithium-ion batteries,” Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “It’s essential to use, charge and recycle these batteries safely to prevent fires in the home. Following simple steps will reduce risks and protect your family.”
The Columbia Fire Department reported that lithium-ion batteries in an electric wheelchair exploded September 19, igniting a fire in a house. The fire caused significant damage to the wheelchair and immediate area.
Buy Only Listed Devices
• We increasingly buy devices and products online without knowledge of the manufacturer. Some products – online and in stores – may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.
• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a certification stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab, like UL, ETL or CSA, on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
Charge Devices Safely
• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow manufacturer instructions.
• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.
• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. Never charge devices near flammable materials. These could cause a fire.
• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle Batteries Responsibly
• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire.
• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.
