Boone County Fire

Updates on what's going on with the Boone County Fire District & Missouri Task Force 1 -

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

🚨 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: https://t.co/c4IOra05yS

👉 Read position descriptions here: https://t.co/ixY9BSKoyT

👉 Apply here:
https://t.co/ZD6rBfpiNl

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. 🇺🇸

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

⛔️ 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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

Boone County Fire Protection District announces New Bureau Director of Special Operations

The Boone County Fire Protection District is proud to announce the appointment of Chief Heller as the Bureau Director of Special Operations and Program Manager for Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1).
Chief Heller brings nearly two decades of fire service experience, along with a deep-rooted commitment to Urban Search and Rescue, including 14 years as a member of Missouri Task Force 1.

His interest in the fire service began as a young child after witnessing a large tiller fire truck operating in a metropolitan area, an experience that immediately captured his attention and sparked what would become his lifelong calling. He began his career as a volunteer with the Union Fire Protection District, where he developed a strong foundation in emergency services and was first introduced to Urban Search and Rescue. After several years of dedication persistence, he earned a position with Missouri Task Force 1, an achievement that would go on to define much of his career.

Chief Heller served 16 years with the Union Fire Protection District, rising through the ranks to Captain, where he oversaw operations on C shift and played a key role in frontline leadership and response.

He later transitioned to the Boone County Fire Protection District, serving as the Training Division Manager for Missouri Task Force 1. In that role, he was instrumental in advancing the training and readiness of task force members, supporting operational excellence at both the state and national level.

In his current role as Bureau Director of Special Operations, Chief Heller oversees the District’s special operations programs while also serving as Program Manager for Missouri Task Force 1. His leadership reflects a strong operational focus, a commitment to training, and a passion for preparing personnel to meet the demands of complex emergency response.

The District is proud to have Chief Heller in this role and looks forward to his continued leadership in advancing both Special Operations and Missouri Task Force 1.
#bcfpd #ahelpinghand #neighborshelpingneighbors

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

Several Boone County Fire Protection District firefighters spent the weekend on the Missouri River completing a Boat Technician course. This hands-on training focused on vessel operations, navigation, and working in moving water environments.

This type of training supports the Special Operations capabilities within our department, ensuring our team remains ready to respond to emergencies on the river and throughout our response area.
#bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #volunteer #ahelpinghand

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

Please help us congratulate Firefighter-EMT Devan Duncan, on earning his red helmet!
Assigned to Station 5 at Prathersville, Devan 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 Devan, thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Pictured left to right is Battalion Chief Clint Walker, with Firefighter Devan Duncan.
#bcfpd #volunteer #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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: https://t.co/hbNhqjIEBD

If you would like to join Syerra in being a volunteer Firefighter or EMS Responder with the Boone County Fire Protection District visit: https://t.co/6dkQOqlhFa

Great work, Syerra!
#bcfpd #neighborshelpingneighbors #ahelpinghand #volunteer

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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 @BooneCountyFire]

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

[Boone County Fire @BooneCountyFire]

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