Russell Firefighters

Article and photo by Bill Howes Chariton Herald Patriot Newspaper, November 3, 2011

New 40' x 60' addition being built on to the
Russell Fire Station

A new three-phase addition is being built on to the Russell Fire Station. The 40'x60' addition will add on two more truck bays and it's funded through grants and the department.

The first phase of the addition, the pouring of the concrete has been completed.  One phase will be done per year, so it's likely to be completed in two years.

The Russell Fire Department has 31 members including 11 EMS personnel.  Nearly all of the members have Fireman 1 status.  Five are EMT first responders and six are EMT-B or highter.  EMT-B stands for Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.

Jim Neer is the chief and Craig Alexander is the assistant chief.  Jeff Neer is the captain and Mark McCurdy is the lieutenant.  The department has added two new members in the past year in Kenny Gwinn and Brant Paige.

The vehicles that the department has include two grass attack trucks, a rescue unit, a pumper, and a tanker.  The department has handled 60 fire and EMS calls so far this year, which is a little below normal.

The Russell Fire Department regularly participates in the annual State Firemen's Convention.  This year the department took third place overall at the convention in Monticello.

The department had its first barbecue cook off this past September and it was a success.  The Russell Fire Department holds an annual Poker Tournament in February and an annual ham supper each April.  The funds raised from the supper go back to the department towards different things that are needed such as supplies.  Part of the proceeds from the Poker Tournament go back to the department as well.


Thank you Russell Firefighters, the residents of Russell are very lucky to have you and we just want you to know how much we appreciate your help.  Your promptness and skilled training has saved us pain and suffering in both illness and a dangerous fire.