Sainte Genevieve County Fire Protection District Station 3 History

The Lake Forest Estates Fire Department was formed in 1986 to provide fire protection for the Lake Forest Estates Community. The board of directors were all residents of Lake Forest. Volunteers were all residents as well. Funding for the new fire department came from yearly fire tag sales, fundraising events and donations. A single bay block structure on Lake Forest property was used to house a single open cab pumper truck. It soon became apparent an addition to the existing firehouse would be necessary to house additional equipment.   This 2-bay structure was completed by firefighters and other community volunteers. Through the late 90’s and early 2000’s the department slowly added and upgraded equipment often with the aid of various Fire Grants and donations.

By 2013 the cost of maintaining equipment and the building, insurance and fuel had all increased substantially. This along with the need to replace aging trucks to be compliant with NFPA and ISO standards became financially impossible. Another very serious problem was the lack of interest in residents who are able or willing to dedicate volunteer time to the operation of the fire department. This all leads to the decision by the board to dissolve the Lake Forest Estates Fire Department and transfer and convey all assets to the Weingarten Volunteer Fire Department as outlined in article XIII Section 4 of the Lake Forest Estates Fire Department Bylaws.

In November 2013 negotiations between Weingarten Fire Department, Lake Forest Fire Department and Lake Forest Community Association had been completed. A 3.01 acres piece of Lake Forest ground located at 12350 State Rt O along with a water well and septic system was donated in exchange for the existing Lake Forest Firehouse. Weingarten Fire Department agreed to maintain sufficient trucks and additional equipment to provide fire protection for the Lake Forest community. Land clearing began and building plans were drawn and approved. A four bay wood frame structure was completed and occupied as Weingarten Station #2. The transition for existing firefighters went very smoothly due in part to the close association in the past. Some equipment upgrades have been made over the years. As always, additional Fire Department volunteers are needed.

 

OZORA COMMUNITY FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

BRIEF HISTORY

 Our first community wide meeting for interest in forming a fire department was held in 1979 at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall to serve the communities of Ozora, Minnith, and River aux Vases.

Ozora Community Fire Protection Association Bylaws were adopted in August 1980 and incorporated April 4th 1981.

 The original Board members were Allen Schilli, Glennon Grein, Wayne Schweigert, Garry Kirchner, Alvin Donze, William, Bill, Naeger, and Bernard Kraenzle. Original Fire Chief, Allen Schilli and Assistant Chief, Glennon, Shorty Grein. Our firefighter roster has average around 15 firefighters

Area of service is in Ste. Genevieve County Missouri. Our service area is 107 square miles of the southern county’s 507 square miles and 10 miles of I-55.

Our department started building the original three bay firehouse in January of 1983 with a 1948 pumper and a 1979 International tanker and a couple of years later 1973 Dodge van for equipment.  In 1985 was replaced the pumper with a 1963 Ford cabover.

Currently we have a 2004 International rescue pumper, 2010 Freightliner 3000 gal. tanker, 2000 Freightliner ambulance/equipment truck, 1988 F350 4x4 brush truck, 1986 Chevy 4x4 brush truck and 2019 Intimidator side by side.

 Original department funded by membership/tag, $35,000, grants, and service charges with an annual income of about $50,000.

Grants received over the years $ 675,000 from FEMA and $50,000 from other various grants.