West Plains Fire Department Chief Announces His Retirement

West Plains Fire Department Chief Kurt Wilbanks announced his retirement from active duty with the City of West Plains. On June 5, 2024, there will be a reception held at 3:00 p.m. at the West Plains Fire Station 1. Willbanks started his work for the City of West Plains in 1988, serving in the utilities department. He moved to the fire department on a full-time basis in 1999, steadily progressing through the ranks until he became fire chief in 2022. Chief Wilbanks has earned recognition as Instructor of the Year from the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute. In 2018, he was honored with the Governor’s Medal for his contributions to the city’s emergency response efforts following the 2017 floods. Following his retirement, Wilbanks wants to continue his dedication to firefighter training across Missouri through the University of Missouri Fire Rescue Training Institute.
Ozark Radio News

Jasper County first responders join for communication tower groundbreaking

Members of public service departments including the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, Joplin Police, and others, gather for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new communication tower. This project encompasses the revitalization of four existing tower locations and the construction of two new tower sites, as well as radio equipment for vehicles and responders. The collaboration and cooperation between all of the Public Safety Agencies in Jasper County, State of Missouri Public Safety Agencies, and Springfield/Greene County for connectivity, has been necessary for the implementation and development of the project.
KOAM-TV CBS 7 Joplin/Pittsburg

One employee injured in a fire at a cabinet factory in Springfield

Firefighters battled a fire at a factory in Springfield on Thursday morning. Firefighters responded to the KD Products east of Glenstone near Chestnut Expressway. The company builds custom cabinets. Investigators say the fire was contained to a hopper connected to a vent system filtering sawdust out of the building. One employee suffered minor burns. Emergency crews transported the employee to the hospital.
KYTV NBC 3 Springfield

Two St. Louis houses catch fire within minutes of each other

Two houses catch fire on the same street within minutes of each other. Firefighters responded to the 3200 block of Nebraska around 5:30 a.m. They found smoke coming from a vacant, two-story house. A few minutes later, they were called to a house about a block away. The garage was fully engulfed in flames. Bomb and arson investigators were on the scene. The owner of the garage believes someone intentionally set it on fire.
KTVI-TV FOX 2 St. Louis