05/25/2026
Community Coming Together
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and communities coming together. This morning, community involvement took on a whole new meaning. Sunrise Beach and Gravois Firefighters once again had the honor of raising the flag at Zach Wheat American Legion. Normally, that is where this post would end.
However, at the end of the ceremony, Sunrise Beach FPD received a call for a boating accident at the 38 MM with four pediatric patients injured. Sunrise Beach Firefighters responded and requested Gravois FPD’s firefighters for assistance. The ladder trucks were left in the parking lot with the flag still up, with two Gravois Firefighters and a Gravois family member, while the rest of the crews raced to the scene.
SBFPD coordinated with Missouri Highway Patrol, Mercy EMS, Mid MO EMS, MU Helicopter, Camden County 911, witnesses of the incident and Premiere Advantage Marine’s staff to bring the injured to Premier’s docks and get them the treatment they needed.
Sunrise Beach Police assisted with the Landing Zone for the helicopter and our Engine 42. Mid County FPD was also requested to help with the landing zone but were disregarded. The remaining Gravois personnel at the American Legion, received help from several Legion Members to stow the large American Flag and get our ladder trucks back in service.
All patients were ground transported by Mid MO Ambulance and Camdenton Ambulance. The helicopter was disregarded and thankfully not needed.
As Chief, I was the last person to clear the incident and at that time, all remaining work was completed, and our units were in service for another run thanks to our Legionnaires!
Memorial Day is a somber day, a time of reflection and communities coming together, and ours did just that! Thank you to everyone for your help today.
Sunrise Beach responded with Two Engines, a Ladder, a Fire Boat and a Chief Officer. Gravois responded with a Chief Officer and a Fire Boat. Sunrise Beach PD responded with two officers. Premiere Advantage Marine responded with their staff and boat docks and the American Legion responded with honor to stow the flag.
Thank you once again and have a great rest of Memorial Day! Sunrise Beach Firefighters remain on station to serve!
