Cape Girardeau Fire Department

You can now send texts to 911 in Cape Girardeau County! The Cape Girardeau Fire Department, in partnership with first responder agency leaders from around the county, is excited to announce the new Text 911 system. Even though speaking directly to a 911 dispatcher is still the most effective and fastest way to relay vital information, having the ability to text your 911 call under certain circumstances provides even more access and added safety to our communities. ... More info: http://files.capecounty.us/Text911.pdf

Don't forget to check those smoke alarm batteries tonight when you set your clocks ahead one hour. And remember: Smoke alarms do not last forever. Get new smoke alarms every 10 years.

It's never great to have a large truck overturned, but especially not when the truck is carrying more than 65 barrels of a highly flammable liquid that poses a potential inhalation risk. We responded to that type of hazardous materials incident last night around 6:20 p.m. on South Sprigg Street. Upon first inspection, two leaking barrels and their contents were contained with booms and pads. Working through the night, often in heavy rain, crews were able to get the truck upri...ght by about 3:30 a.m. with assistance from Midwest Towing. When it was possible to enter the trailer, personnel discovered multiple leaking barrels, leading to a long period of cleanup today. There were no reported injuries, and no evacuations were necessary due to the remote location of the event. Assistance was provided by the Region E HSRT, including members from our department and Jackson Fire Rescue. We also extend a big thanks to Gordonville Fire Protection District, East County Fire Protection District, and the Scott City Fire Department for supplying additional personnel to cover our stations while we were on-scene, and to our off-duty personnel who were recalled to assist.

We spent some time working on our extrication skills yesterday morning. Thanks to Midwest Truck for providing the vehicle and to Banner for the tool demonstration.

Our newest probationary firefighter started his orientation period on Monday. Kyle Litchfield has worked in construction and as a volunteer firefighter since 2005. Kyle is an EMT and will be joining B Platoon once his orientation is complete. Kyle lives in Jackson with his wife. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling when he has the time. Please help us welcome Kyle Litchfield to the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

Always a great event.

Bryan Stroer was recently promoted to captain at Cape Girardeau Fire Department. Captain Stroer has been with the Department since April of 2011. He is a Paramedic and a member of the Technical Rescue Team. Congratulations!

We have posted our information for the upcoming Firefighter 1 & 2 class that begins in January. Interested in becoming a firefighter? This is one the first steps in your journey. The class lasts from early January until mid-May with classes held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and every Saturday. After successful completion of the class, you will be able to sit for state testing. Passing the state test will certify you for the Firefighter 1 & 2 certificate.

From our dinner table to yours, we wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Interesting video from the International Space Station. Europe is observing Restart a Heart Day today. Want to learn CPR? We still have a few slots left for the class on Monday. Look for our earlier post for more information.

Yesterday, KFVS12 interviewed Captain Andy Matthews, who provided some Thanksgiving Safety Tips as we approach this holiday season. Check out this informative news article and video: https://www.kfvs12.com//firefighters-talk-thanksgiving-sa/

On this Veteran’s Day, we thank everyone who has served or is currently serving this great country we call home. We honor those who have fought to preserve our freedom in our great nation, the United States of America.

There are still several openings for this CPR class. This is free and the spots are limited. This is the last scheduled class.

In case you missed it on Cape Chronicle.

Today our Driver Operator class worked on drafting which is pulling water from a static source such as a swimming pool, a pond, or river. This is usually used when at a fire for an extended period of time to avoid having to relay water to the site when there are no hydrants such as in the country or if nearby hydrants are out of order for any reason.

Final Day of Fire Prevention Week: Check out what it takes for a Firefighter to get ready to go into a fire to help!

Today Firefighter Justin Drury gave a class to our probies and a couple of our newer firefighters on ventilation. By making a hole in the roof and using fans, they are able to use positive pressure ventilation to get the smoke, heat and dangerous gasses out of the building.

It’s Day 4 of Fire Prevention Week: Today we are Serving Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen with some helpful cooking tips!

Yesterday some of our firefighters took part in a class on relay pumping. This involves pumping from one truck to the next (and in this case a third) to increase the pressure.

Day 3 of Fire Prevention Week 2020: When You Hear The Beep, Stay Low and Go!

It’s Day 2 of Fire Prevention Week 2020: Check out this video: A Day in the Life of a Firefighter :)

It’s Day 1 of Fire Prevention Week 2020. Check out this video:

Today Rockin' 4 Relief held a fundraiser at several locations. The funds are used to help the family of first responders who have lost their loved one. The finale will be at Wings, Etc., in Cape at between 8:30 and 9 pm. Stop by to see lots of local first responder vehicles "light up" for the grand finale at 9.