Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District

Today we honor and remember Chief Kevin Cremer. On January 24, 2022, Chief Kevin Cremer died from complications of COVID-19 contracted in the line of duty.

Chief Cremer served for 29 years. He served 13 years with the Hematite Fire Protection District and began serving with the Festus Fire Department in 2005. He left behind his wife and children.

We will never forget the life and legacy of Chief Kevin Cremer.

Help our mission today at BackStoppers.org/Support.

Different parts of MO and IL will see vastly different outcomes from this winter storm. Our far north will see all of their snow, only 2-4", today. St. Louis and south and east, however, will see impactful accumulations and hazardous conditions. The worst conditions are expected tonight into Sunday, and this area has a 90% chance of seeing 5-7"+ of snow.

From Jefferson County Emergency Management. Our second situation report of the day with the issuance of a Winter Storm Warning for . Updated forecasts now call for 6"-13" snow. Timing remains unchanged with onset expected Saturday from 6AM-NOON.

If you are out Trick or Treating tonight, stop by the firehouse. Firefighters will be handing out candy from 6:00 p.m. to about 9:00 p.m.

Congratulation are in order!

Yesterday, we were deeply honored and humbled that two of our own Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District personnel, A-Shift Captain/EMT Zach Smallegan and Firefighter/EMT Joe Berra (pictured on the far right), were awarded with the prestigious East Central Region Life Saving Award. Also receiving the award with them were Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District Paramedics Cody Harrison and Beth Nelson (pictured center left).

On May 24, 2024, at approximately 8:42 pm, both sets of crews were on-duty when they received a call for a patient with Chest Pain at a residence. After responding and assessing the patient, Paramedics Harrison and Nelson transported the patient for further evaluation and treatment. Shortly after leaving the patient's residence, the patient suffered a witnessed cardiac arrest event in the ambulance. Captain Z. Smallegan and FF Berra intercepted the ambulance roadside and assisted Harrison and Nelson with providing Life Saving treatment resulting in the return of spontaneous circulation.

The teamwork, skill, and professionalism displayed by both crews in their life saving actions were exemplary! We are happy to report that this patient suffered no long term deficits from the cardiac event. In fact, the patient was even conscious and talking upon arrival at Jefferson Memorial Hospital as a result of the life saving treatment in the ambulance.

Hats off to all of you!

Our call volume for the month of September, 96 calls for service.

We’ve had a great start to Fire Prevention Week!
Our firefighters have spent time at Plattin Primary and Danby Middle School educating students about fire safety and prevention. We also had the pleasure of welcoming a local homeschool co-op to the firehouse for a fire prevention session and station tour.

Fire Prevention Week 2025 has begun. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is "Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home" and its meant to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.