Currently, there are 30 volunteer firefighters working in six different stations to provide protection to everyone living in the 198 square miles of Cooper County. In 2017, the Cooper County Fire Protection District responded to more than 440 calls. 159 of these calls were for medical emergencies. The new Bunceton station is especially equipped to handle these emergencies.

“The population of Bunceton is definitely older, so we wanted to make sure we could provide quick medical care,” Gehm said.

The new station has a Quick Response Vehicle to respond to medical calls, and all of the volunteer firefighters are trained in basic medical emergency management. In addition, the station has a fully equipped helicopter pad to transfer patients to the hospital quickly. During Saturday’s open house ceremony, the Staff for Life’s helicopter flew in to present a wind sock for the new helipad. Rep. David Muntzel, R-Boonville, rode in on the helicopter to present a resolution from the House of Representatives recognizing the efforts of volunteer firefighters.

The gear dryer, designed by Pvt. Scott Martin, cuts drying time from several hours to approximately 45 minutes, officials said. 

“When I became a firefighter, [I learned] your gear is wet every day. It is sopping wet, it won’t dry,” Private Martin said. He came up with the concept when he was in the fire academy. “This stuff is so thick it just stays wet and stinky.”

Private Martin researched commercial turnout gear dryers, which can cost upward of nearly $9,000. The firefighter, who has a background in carpentry and remodeling, figured he could recreate a similar piece using inexpensive material.