Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) has promoted two team members and added a firefighter/paramedic to its ranks.
Eric Braatz, who has served the District since 1995, was promoted to the rank of captain of the B-shift at CCFR Fire Station #6 on Jungs Station Rd., after serving as an engineer for the past four years. Braatz is state-certified fire investigator and a licensed paramedic. He also possesses certifications in haz-mat operations and in rope rescue, as well as being qualified as a boat operator.
As a captain, he will be responsible for leading a three to four person engine company and serving as an incident commander in emergency situations. He will also coordinate, oversee and recommend training programs for his crew.
Jason Meinershagen, who has served the district since 1998, was promoted to the rank of engineer at CCFR Fire Station #1, on the western side of the District. He will work with the B-shift. Meinershagen previously served the St. Peters community as a firefighter/EMT. He is an active member of St. Louis Regional Urban Search and Rescue Team #1, and possesses technician-level qualifications in confined space, haz-mat, rope, structural collapse, swift water and trench rescue. He is also qualified as a boat operator.
In this new role, Meinershagen will be responsible for driving and operating the fire truck during emergency situations.
“We are thrilled to make these promotions to two incredibly deserving members of the team,” CCFR Assistant Chief Steve Brown says. “Eric and Jason have both dedicated more than two decades of their lives in service to the St. Peters community, and we’re honored they’ve chosen to make their careers with us here at CCFR.”
CCFR has also hired a new firefighter/paramedic to join its ranks. Robert Prest, a graduate of St. Charles West High School, has worked for the St. Louis City Fire Department since October 2016. Prest holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Lindenwood University and a master’s degree in health care administration from Lindenwood University. He started with the District in April on the C-shift. There are now 26 paramedic/firefighters on the CCFR team.