Kirksville Fire Department

03/06/2026

Chief Jon Cook was happy to talk with these bright students about what a career in firefighting is like.

03/05/2026

Severe Weather Preparedness Week marks a good time to remind residents about the purpose of storm sirens.

These sirens are meant to be heard by people who are outside. The sirens are not designed to reach people inside buildings.

Don't rely on a storm siren to know about severe weather. Smartphones should receive emergency weather alerts without you needing to sign up for them. You should also pay attention to a weather radio or local media (TV, radio, mobile device, etc.) for local weather alerts.

Sirens can be activated due to a warning from the National Weather Service or if something credible has been seen by local authorities or spotters.

Most people assume storm sirens only activate for tornadoes, but they can also activate for other dangerous weather situations, such as extreme winds or large hail.

03/04/2026

It is Severe Weather Preparedness Week, and the Kirksville Fire Department wants to help make sure you are prepared for various weather events.

Make sure you have:

• Multiple ways to receive weather information (weather radio, reliable app, etc.) and ensure emergency alerts are enabled on your smartphone

• An emergency plan for your household

• A safe space to shelter in

• An emergency kit (first aid items, necessary medications, batteries/portable chargers)

Severe weather can develop quickly. Being prepared ahead of time means you’re able to find safety quickly. Take some time this week to talk with your family members to review your plans if severe weather events like tornadoes or flooding occur.

Learn more at weather.gov/lsx/severeweek.

02/11/2026

The Kirksville Fire Department congratulates Landon Kellison for completing his probationary period and receiving his updated helmet this week.

02/06/2026

The Kirksville Fire Department congratulates Hunter Dalton for completing his probationary period and receiving his updated helmet this week.

01/23/2026

Here are some more shots of the ice rescue training conducted this week. It provided valuable experience to prepare firefighters for such situations.

01/22/2026

01/16/2026

The Kirksville Fire Department will conduct ice rescue training on January 20, 21, and 22, 2026, ice conditions permitting, at the pond in North Park.

Emergency vehicles will be staged on Emmett Street adjacent to the pond. Please use caution when driving in the area where personnel will be staged.

If you see first responder vehicles or personnel in this area, know that it is a training exercise and not an actual emergency.

This vital training helps ensure that first responders are properly prepared to act in such scenarios.

01/16/2026

Our last commendation is the Stork Award, which is given for assistance in the pre-hospital delivery of a child.

Cpt. Silas Springer, Lt. Aaron Pippin and Firefighters Gavin Robertson, Landon Kellison and Jared Gordon received the award for their work in two different deliveries.

Pictured left to right: Mayor Zac Burden, Fire Chief Jon Cook, Jared Gordon, Landon Kellison, Gavin Robertson, Silas Springer, Deputy Chief Travis Gregory. Aaron Pippin not pictured.

01/15/2026

Multiple members received the award for Meritorious Conduct, which is presented for actions above and beyond the call of duty.

Lt. Tyler Davis received one for his actions during the 2023 flooding incident.

Firefighters Derek Johnson and Jared Gordon received one for their actions assisting law enforcement during an incident at the Adair County Detention Center last May.

KFD Administrative Assistant Teresa Attebery received the award for her work running the Adopt-A-Child program each year. This past year marked the 40th year of that program, which has ensured Christmas gifts for more than 13,000 Adair County children.

Pictured left to right: Mayor Zac Burden, Fire Chief Jon Cook, Teresa Attebery, Jared Gordon, Derek Johnson, Tyler Davis, Deputy Chief Travis Gregory.

01/14/2026

Next up for commendations are recipients of the Lifesaving Award. Cpt. Silas Springer, Lt. Tyler Davis and Lt. Eric Reardon received this award for their rescue during a structure fire in 2024.

Pictured left to right: Fire Chief Jon Cook, Mayor Zac Burden, Eric Reardon, Tyler Davis, Silas Springer, Deputy Chief Travis Gregory.