The Boles Fire Protection District was formed in 1971 by combining the Gray Summit and Labadie Fire Departments. The District covers 70 square miles and the towns of Labadie, Gray Summit, Villa Ridge, and St. Albans. The District has a career staff of 12 personnel, an administrative assistant, and a Fire Chief. The District also has about 50 reserve personnel. The Gray Summit and Labadie Stations are manned 24 hours a day 7 days a week with 2 people at each station. The reserve personnel provide a valuable service by providing additional manpower to answer the growing number of alarms. Station #3 in Villa Ridge and Station #4 in St. Albans are reserve only stations. The reserve personnel are assigned to a station and are encouraged to ride along at the 2 stations that are manned full time.

Requirements

• Be 18 years or older
• Be a high school graduate or possess a G.E.D.
• Possess a valid Missouri Drivers License
• Undergo an interview process
• Complete 36 hour Basic Firefighter Class
• Complete Certification for Missouri FF I & II within 2 years of joining
• Attend 24 hours of training annually
• Out of District Reserves must provide 36 hours of "In District" service in addition to training hours

Probation
New reserves must complete a one year probation period

Compensation
Reserves are compensated on a per call basis. This is based on the number of trainings attended per month. Reserves are aslo compensated when attending an overnight shift at any of the stations.

How Do I Start?

1. Complete an application and return to the District Office
2. An interview will be conducted
3. Complete a background check application and send it in to the FBI
4. While background check is being processed administration conducts interior review of application
5. After background check and interior checks are completed applicant is sent for a physical and drug test.
6. Then applicant will begin the orientation process which will include a 36 hour basic firefighter/ orientation class.
7. Probation begins on the day of graduation from the class, a badge will be issued at this time as well.

Orientation Class

• An applicant is issued Personal Protective Equipment.
• An applicant fills out all required paper work for the District and issued a handbook
• An applicant is given more detailed information on the history of the district
• An applicant is taught firefighter safety, radio and map operations, the district still areas, procedures, still areas, dispatch information.
• An applicant is familiarized with each truck in the District, tools each truck has on it, hose operations, rescue operations, medical information.
• An applicant will also have to possess and maintain a healthcare provider card, classes are offered throughout the year, it will not be included in the 36 hour Basic class

Training

• Training is held 3 times a week. Evening trainings are available at 1900. Daytime trainings at 0900.
• A training schedule is put out monthly.
• A District meeting is held monthly on the 4th Monday of each month at 1900.
• Out of District and special in District trainings are also available at various times throughout the year.

Additional Equipment (issued after 60 days)

• Class B Uniforms
• Alpha Pager

Additional Equipment (after 1 year probation is completed)

• Class A uniforms
• FFAM membership
• Air Evac membership
• Immediate Relief

When can I respond to calls?
After orientation is completed, you will be able to respond to calls. You will be a fire ground helper until trained on operations fully. This will vary depending upon the individual.

What kinds of calls do you respond to and what kinds of duties do firefighters have?
As a Firefighter you may be called upon to perform a variety of duties. They include but are not limited to: emergency calls, fires of all types, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and a variety of customer service calls. You will also perform a number of non-emergency duties such as trainings of all types, fire prevention and education, public relations, maintenance of fire apparatus, equipment, and stations.

When can I drive the big fire truck?
You must first complete your Firefighter I & II certification and have the basics down before even moving the truck. After completing the standard operating guidelines on becoming an operator, you will be (at the request of your station captain only) released to drive the fire pumpers and tankers. You can begin driving the smaller apparatus after completing the standard operating guideline for those units and with the approval of your station captain.

When can I run blue lights and siren?
After you complete 6 months and a driving program, with the recommendation of your station Captain, the Fire Chief will issue you blue light permits. Out of District reserves are reviewed on a case by case situation before a blue light permit will be issued.

You can always contact the station and talk to a captain on duty or the fire chief about any questions you may have about becoming a member of this District.