Union Fire Protection District

**ROADWAY REOPENED**

Highway V in the area of Clearview Rd is shut down for an undetermined amount of time. We will update when the roadway is reopened. 06/22/26 1622 hrs.

While you’re out tackling summer yard work, don’t forget about those fire hydrants.
If you have a hydrant on your property, please keep at least 3 feet of clearance around it so firefighters can access it quickly when seconds count. Avoid planting bushes, flowers, or other landscaping that could obstruct access to the hydrant.
A few minutes of yard work today can make a big difference during an emergency.

Equipment Highlight: Rope Rescue

Union Fire has an arsenal of equipment for rope rescue operations, requiring extensive training for proficient use. Each shift features firefighters trained and certified as Rope Rescue Technicians. To obtain a technician certification, firefighters must complete a 64-hour course and passed both a physical skill and written exam, as mandated by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety.

Each rescue pumper is equipped with 400ft of life safety rope, harnesses, and hardware bags. This equipment allows firefighters to facilitate rappelling, ascending, hauling, high-line creation, and load securing, among other complex operations. A strict testing and replacement schedules ensure our equipment remains current, allowing our firefighters to respond effectively to various situations.

The Union Fire Protection District would like to thank KMOV and Russell Kinsaul for sharing the story of former Union Fire District Chief Russell Hamilton and helping shine a light on the realities of occupational cancer in the fire service.

Chief Hamilton’s story represents a challenge faced by firefighters across the country and a burden carried by far too many families. His service, leadership, and lasting impact on our district and community will not be forgotten.

Occupational cancer remains one of the most serious long-term health risks firefighters face, often appearing years after their service has ended. Stories like Chief Hamilton’s help bring greater awareness to the risks associated with firefighting and the importance of continued prevention, early detection, and support for firefighters and their families.

We appreciate KMOV for helping tell this important story and for recognizing the impact occupational cancer continues to have on the fire service.

Our thoughts remain with Chief Hamilton’s family, friends, all who served alongside him, and all those affected by occupational cancer.

Family of late Union Fire chief highlights hidden cancer toll among firefighters Cancer is the leading cause of death for firefighters. What’s causing this is much of what surrounds people inside their homes.

Last week you may have seen fire personnel from Franklin County out training on the river preparing for another season of fun on the water. This crazy hot weather has all of us thinking about going out and getting on the water. Floating season is finally upon us!

I know, I know, it's easy to get excited over the prospect of catching that river giant or testing out that rope swing you found last year. But before we load up the kayaks, the fishing poles, and the coolers, there are a few safety items we need to check off our list to ensure everyone has a safe and fun trip.

-ALWAYS wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. Even calm parts of the river can have swift undercurrents.

-Tell someone of your float plan. This should include your put in location, planned take out, and an estimated time the float should take.

-Check river levels and local weather before going out. River levels can rise rapidly, causing dangerous situations.

-Stay hydrated. That means with water, not with alcohol. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and exhaustion greatly increasing the risk of drowning.

-Know your limits. Do not attempt a section of river that is above your skill level. Scouting the river ahead of time or talking with friends familiar with the river can be a huge help before heading out.

-Don't float alone. It's much more fun with friends anyway.

This week Union Fire personnel along with other fire personnel of Franklin County, have been training on boat operations. Crews have been out in Sullivan running up and down the Meramec River training on rescue scenarios.
The water conditions have been perfect training this week. Up just enough to make it challenging but still safe for our crews.

As pools all around the area start to open up for the summer, it's time to remember our pool safety. Drowning is the leading accidental cause of death for children age 1-4.

Lets stay safe this summer by following these simple safety tips.
-Look in the Pool First: If a child goes missing in the house or yard, always check the bottom of the pool before looking anywhere else
-Designate a sober water watcher and rotate that responsibility every 15-20 minute to prevent fatigue
-Install secure barriers around the pool to prevent unintentional access when not in use
-Wear high contrast swimwear like neon orange, yellow, or hot pink that are easy to see underwater
-Wear certified life jackets and skip inflatable toys or water wings. Inflatables provide a false sense of security as they can easily deflate
- Learn CPR and keep recue equipment such as a reaching pole and flotation ring nearby and unobscured for quick use.

Below is an informational video from https://www.poolsafely.gov/ about how to have some summer fun safely around pools.

https://youtu.be/N5Hj-F0eexE?si=IJmNiqV1xxMlrxBO

Pool Safely Always watch children when they’re in or near water, and never leave them unattended. Designate an official Water Watcher, an adult tasked with supervising children in the water. That should be their only task – they shouldn’t be reading...

Today, we would like to remind everyone to take a moment to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and dedication will not be forgotten.

This morning our fire personnel assisted the American Legion Post 297 Union, MO with placing flags on the graves of our Veterans in honor of Memorial Day.

As we walked through the cemetery placing each flag, it served as a heavy reminder of the true cost of freedom and the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.

This Memorial Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect, remember, and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.