Kirksville Fire Department

10/29/2026

Daylight Saving Time is this Sunday. After you check that all of your clocks are correct, take a second and check your smoke detectors to see if they need new batteries.

It is crucial to make sure smoke detectors are in working order so they can protect you.

Not all smoke alarms are the same, so make sure you know how yours operates.

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

• When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or the manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

10/09/2026

Did you know the heavy turnout gear firefighters wear for most emergencies can float?

This week, firefighters trained in safety techniques for falling into water while in full gear. These aren’t uncommon scenarios, especially around home pools or bodies of water that might be obstructed.

The training focused on managing the gear’s added weight, staying calm in the water, removing the gear if needed, and staying afloat. Lying on their backs keeps air trapped in the suit. Firefighters can also trap air in their helmets and boots for additional buoyancy.

Practicing in a controlled environment gives firefighters the skills and knowledge to act in an unexpected water emergency.

10/05/2026

Kirksville Mayor Zac Burden signed a proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026. This annual observance, organized by the National Fire Protection Association, aims to inform the public about life-saving topics.

This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” Most electronics used daily at home — including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, and toys — are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which, if improperly
charged, can overheat, start a fire, or explode.

Here are some safety tips for these products:

• Always use the charger and cord that came with the product. If you need a charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one the manufacturer has approved.

• Charge your device on a hard surface, not on a pillow, bed, or couch.

• Don’t overcharge your device; unplug it when fully charged.

• Charge large items like power tools, scooters, or e-bikes outside.

• Stop using your device if it feels hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.

• When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Tell a flight attendant if you notice any issues with your device.

09/30/2026

The Kirksville Fire Department has spent this week conducting a state-funded Confined Space Rescuer course. These scenarios – likely industrial or mechanical in nature – involve someone trapped in a tanker, pipe, vault, or other restricted space. Additional complications may include gas leaks, poor ventilation or visibility, or being underground.

Today, staff conducted real-world exercises to safely extract someone from a steam boiler and a manhole at Truman State University. It was a valuable hands-on opportunity to refresh on the equipment and strategies used in these rescues, all in a practical, local setting.

Thank you to the Missouri Emergency Response Commission for funding the course, Mike and his team at Emergency Operational Solutions for conducting the training, and Truman State University for providing real, local confined spaces for training.

09/23/2026

Registration for Adopt-A-Child, a program that provides a special Christmas gift to more than 500 children in Adair County who might otherwise not receive one, opens on October 1. Children ages 0-16 are eligible.

Sign up at Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO), 215 S. Elson St., Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or call 660.665.9855. Registration is open until December 8.

Only the child’s legal guardian may apply. Please provide proof of guardianship, SNAP benefits, and the names and ages of children in the household. These documents can be obtained through the Adair County Family Services Office in Kirksville.

Members of the public can contact the Kirksville Fire Department or a radio station to “adopt” a child and provide a gift. Donations of wrapping paper, toys, candy, and other items are also accepted. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Adopt-A-Child is sponsored by the Kirksville Fire Department, Kirksville Firefighters Local 2952, 93.7 FM KTUF/KIRX/KRXL, and CAPNEMO.

08/28/2026

This week, members of the Kirksville Fire Department continued water rescue training exercises using boats. KFD has its own boat, along with the Kirksville Police Department’s patrol boat, that can be used for a rescue.

Training included safely getting a victim into a boat for transport, as well as ways to right a capsized vessel.

These training exercises help prepare first responders to act in real-world scenarios.

08/19/2026

The Kirksville Fire Department is hiring firefighters. Applications can be completed online at Kirksville.gov/p/employment-opportunities. Applications are due by 5:00 pm on September 18.

Physical agility exams will be held on September 26 at the station, and interviews for candidates who complete that program will be held on September 28 and 29.

If you are interested in serving your community with the Kirksville Fire Department, apply today.

07/10/2026

This week, members of the Kirksville Fire Department trained on water rescue techniques. These events are often traumatic in nature and require rescuers to enter the water with spinal immobilization equipment to safely extricate them from the water.

So, this training was a refresher on using that equipment, and the techniques used to stabilize a patient’s head and neck and get them out of the water. Training opportunities such as these help ensure KFD staff are prepared to act in these kinds of emergencies.

Thanks to Kirksville Parks and Recreation for letting us train at the Aquatic Center as a controlled environment. Future trainings to build on these techniques will occur at local bodies of water.

07/07/2026

07/02/2026

The City of Kirksville congratulates Mikey Bishop on 20 years of service with the Kirksville Fire Department.

Bishop started at KFD as a part-time firefighter before quickly being hired on full-time. During his career, he advanced through the ranks from Firefighter to Captain, then finally to Division Chief.

He is currently in an administrative role overseeing all fire-related training, including new hire training. He is now learning to live with the fact that he has been around long enough to start training new hires who are the same age as his kids.

We thank Bishop for 20 years of dedicated service to the community and look forward to many more ahead.