A Brief Summary
 The
Springfield Fire Department provides emergency services in a 79.8-square-mile
area from 11 fire stations with a full-time staff of more than 214
dedicated professionals.
Springfield's
earliest days as a community included a volunteer fire department
organized in the 1840s. A paid department was established on January
6, 1897, which continues to actively recruit and train firefighters
through its own academy. Equal opportunity hiring and promotion
is a top priority.
Our Mission
Working with the community to provide and maintain a safe environment,
through quality fire protection, emergency medical services and
hazard mitigation.
SFD
Services
- Emergency
fire protection
- Fire
prevention through public education
- First
Response emergency assistance in medical emergencies
-
Water rescue
-
Vertical
rescue
- Hazardous
materials emergencies
- Medical
emergency training
- Investigations
and inspection, including arson and fire safety codes
-
Continuous
education and training for all fire department employees
Chief Rowell is responsible for the planning, organizing
and directing the operations and administrative details of
11 fire stations to include
firefighting, fire prevention, emergency medical first responder
program, fire training and specialty team activities. He
is the direct supervisor
of three Assistant Chiefs (Operations, Training, & Technical
Services).
(click
on the department to view the Assistant Chief's photo)
Barry Rowell was appointed Fire Chief June 23, 2007. He
has been with the City
of Springfield Fire Department since 1985 where he began
his career as a Firefighter. He has promoted through the ranks
and held many positions such as Rescue and Salvage Specialist, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief of Technical Services in addition to his most
recent position as Assistant Fire Chief of Operations.
Rowell coordinated the Fire Department’s response to the January 2007 ice storm and was FEMA community relations representative in 2005 helping relocate Hurricane Katrin victims to Fort Worth, Texas. While in his position as Assistant Chief of Operations, he also served as the Departments fire accreditation manager. He has completed a bachelor’s degree in education and graduate-level education at Missouri State University.
The Springfield Fire department is an exemplary organization
acclaimed for our National Reputation (ISO 2 rating), Regional Strength
(Haz-mat & Water Rescue Teams, & Training) and our local
effectiveness ( our commitment to the citizens of Springfield to
provide the best possible fire protection and life safety. He stresses
the importance of living up to our motto "We're There, We Care."
He is committed to carrying out the City's Mission Statement as
well as the Springfield Fire Departments Mission statement. Barry and his wife Sydney have three grown children with three grandchildren. Some of Barry's activities
include playing the guitar, boating, and outdoor activities.
Historic Museum
A
museum in Springfield City Hall offers visitors a history of the
department. Call 864-1527 for more information regarding the museum.
Training Never Stops
Training
is a continuous top priority for all Fire Department personnel,
averaging 20 hours per month. Recruits must successfully complete
initial training at the Springfield Fire Department Academy located
at the Northwest Training Center. Fire
Department personnel are also eligible for a variety of other
training opportunities.
Recruiting Firefighters
The Springfield Fire Department is committed to recruiting a diverse
and well-trained staff of firefighters and support staff.
The City of Springfield is seeking qualified applicants to serve its citizens as Firefighters. Interested persons are encouraged to apply, providing all minimum qualifications are met.
Minimum Qualifications:
The following requirements must be met in order to participate in the written exam and the physical agility phases of the selection process:
- Age 18 or older
- High School graduation or G.E.D.
- No felony convictions
- No serious misdemeanor convictions for the past five years
- Vision requirements: Correctable to 20/30
- Excellent physical condition
Additional requirements: The following requirements must be met in order for candidates to be invited to the interview phase of the process:
- Firefighter I & II (from an IFSAC accredited educational institution)
- EMT-B (Candidates must possess Missouri EMT-B before second interviews)
For
additional recruitment information contact City of Springfield
Human Resources Office (864-1607).
| 
