When neighbors and a passerby rescued two residents from a burning home in June, firefighters with Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) recognized that the experience had the potential to leave these civilian heroes scarred and possibly suffering from undiagnosed post-traumatic stress (PTS). In the days following the fire, CCFR firefighters brainstormed how to help these residents recognize potential PTS and begin the healing process, and the Community Crisis Assistance Program (CCAP) was born.
The Central County Community Outreach program is an independent non-profit organization of off-duty firefighters who provide assistance to the community during times of need and help educate the community about fire and emergency prevention. Here are some of the ways they served the community in 2019.
The Central County Community Outreach program is an independent nonprofit organization of off-duty firefighters who provide assistance to the community during times of need and assists with educating the community about fire and emergency prevention. Learn more about some of the group’s recent work below!
A mud volleyball tournament hosted by Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) Community Outreach last summer raised $2,500 for the Disabled Athletes Sports Association, a St. Peters-based nonprofit that promotes adaptive sports and activities to those with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities.
A generous gift from one locally owned business will help firefighters with Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) continue their CCFR Community Outreach efforts, which help residents get back on their feet in the aftermath of fires and other emergencies, and supports other community programs.
This week, Rob Hamann of Rob Hamann Insurance Agency in St. Peters, presented the Community Outreach program with a $2,500 check, as well as a $2,500 sponsorship for the third annual Mud Volleyball Tournament. The tournament, which will be held July 14, is the program’s primary fundraiser each year. Hamann has been a huge supporter of many programs and projects within CCFR over the years.
The donation was made during a visit by Hamann and Jack Salzwedel, president of American Family Insurance, who were eager to learn more about CCFR operations and the CCFR Community Outreach program.
CCFR firefighters gave Salzwedel and Hamann a tour of Station #4, which included an opportunity to go 100 feet up in Ladder 9542 to learn more about the ladder truck and its capabilities. The visitors also had a chance to check out the CCFR Training Facility. There, they donned firefighting gear and self-contained breathing equipment so they could enter the burn tower and experience a bit of the training all CCFR firefighters go through. Finally, the visitors were able to observe the use of hydraulic rescue equipment to see how CCFR crews help victims during a car crash.
Before heading back to Wisconsin, Salzwedel was given a customized fire chief helmet featuring the American Family Insurance logo to thank him for the support his company has provided the District over the years.
When budget cuts threatened the local home delivered meals program, Central County Fire & Rescue firefighters, St. Peters City officials and the community came together to ensure its safety.
Through an annual trivia night organized by CCFR and the city officials, more than $125,000 has been raised over the past seven years to continue the program.
This year’s donation of $20,572 was presented to the senior center at its annual holiday party at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 at the St. Peters Senior Center, 108 McMenamy Rd, St Peters, MO 63376. CCFR firefighters, city officials and local seniors were there for the presentation.
Every week volunteers deliver more than 150 free meals per day, Monday through Friday, to homebound senior citizens and disabled residents in the community. In addition to organizing the trivia night, CCFR firefighters and city officials have also volunteered their time delivering meals.
“Many times the meals on wheels volunteer is the only person the senior sees all day. The visit provides human contact and a safety net for these seniors,” CCFR Assistant Chief Gary Donovan says.
All proceeds will benefit the St. Peters Senior Center Home Delivered Meals program. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Complimentary soda and beer will be provided; guests are welcome to bring food and decorations for their table.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and 10 rounds of trivia will begin at 7 p.m.
Mail checks to Assistant Chief Steve Brown at 1220 Cave Springs Blvd., St. Peters, MO 63376. Checks should be made out to “Central County Community Outreach.”