The Black Jack Fire Protection District was established in 1929 and was formerly known as the Black Jack Fire Prevention Organization. This organization developed out of an immediate need for a local fire district to serve the community. A devastating fire at the Schladerbach house led to a late response from nearby fire stations; unfortunately, the home was destroyed when volunteers arrived to suppress the flames.
Community leader John E. Wohldmann led the initiative for the new fire district. The first Black Jack firehouse was constructed behind Hartwig’s Saloon and General Store. As the Black Jack community grew, the District expanded its locations to include three firehouses. The Fire District’s service area also increased; the District’s reach now includes areas of Florissant, Dellwood, and portions of unincorporated North County.
Black Jack Fire Protection District:
Honoring Trust, Saving Lives, Protecting All
Fire Protection Services
Three firehouses serve residents living in a geographic response area of 26 square miles. The team at Black Jack Fire Protection District serves to protect the lives, homes, and property of the community, and the District’s emergency response service logs more than 9,000 calls every year.
Firefighters, Paramedics, and District Leadership
Fire Chief Roger Ellison, Assistant Fire Chief Paul Peebles, and Chief Medical Officer Drew Kerckhoff lead the District’s fire, rescue, and emergency response teams. Chief Ellison, Assistant Chief Peebles and Chief Kerckhoff, were appointed to their leadership positions in 2023, representing a new era for the District.
Rescue Services
Black Jack Fire Protection District includes a team of 27 paramedics & 11 EMTs.
The District holds an advanced life support provider certification.
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Black Jack’s rescue capabilities allow the District to perform vehicle rescues (extrication), water rescue, and high-angle rescue assistance.
Vehicle Extrication
In high-impact collisions, the doors or roof of a vehicle can be damaged so severely that passengers become trapped in the vehicle. Black Jack provides emergency vehicle extrication and has the tools and capabilities necessary to cut through metal, remove doors, and create emergency exits on car rooftops to remove crash victims from the vehicle.
Water Rescue
Flash flooding or more extensive river flooding creates dangerous conditions; flash flooding occurs without warning, leading to cars or individuals being overtaken by swift waters. Black Jack Fire Protection District’s rescue team trains extensively to handle all water rescue scenarios. The team also provides emergency response services to aid other departments in local rescues.
High-Angle Rescue Equipment
Missouri is known as the ‘cave state.’ Not all adventure seekers understand the dangers of caves, rugged terrain, and unpredictable cliffs and bluffs. Some adventurers don’t know that dark caves quickly become disorienting or that climbing up a rugged path is very different from navigating the descent. High-angle rescue missions require specialized equipment and training; the rescue team must navigate difficult terrain and unpredictable conditions, knowing that every move impacts the success of the rescue.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Paramedics and EMTs handle the District’s emergency medical services. When residents require immediate medical care or experience a medical emergency, the EMS team provides emergency care to stabilize them and swiftly transport them to the closest appropriate facility for additional treatment. The Black Jack Fire Protection District currently contracts with Christian Hospital EMS for transport service, but is transitioning to its own transport service.
Smoke Detector Installation
Black Jack Fire Protection District provides FREE smoke detector installation for residents in the service area. No home should be without the protection of smoke detectors; these devices save lives and warn residents to evacuate their homes. We offer one smoke detector installed free per floor. We also will change the batteries of every smoke detector in someone's house at their request. Contact the District to schedule installation.
Looking For CPR Classes Near Me?
Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) allows individuals to perform emergency resuscitation support in a medical emergency; correct administration of CPR ensures oxygen loss is minimized while awaiting help from emergency response personnel. In a life-threatening emergency, every second counts. CPR is a life skill that can be the difference between life and death. Black Jack Fire Protection District will offer CPR classes in the coming months; check our website for updates and a class schedule.
Coming Soon!
Monthly Safety Tip
Each month, the Black Jack Fire Protection District publishes a new safety tip to help keep residents safe, increase fire prevention education, and encourage everyday awareness. Check out this month’s monthly tip and explore the archive to read tips from previous months and years:
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