Before 1948, fire protection outside the City of Parkville
limits was virtually nonexistent. Besides the inherent risk that
fire posed to lives and property, the lack of fire service
resulted in exorbitant insurance premiums.
The Parkville Volunteer Fire Department was organized and began
operation in 1948 with the passage of a bond issue that allowed
them to purchase a 1948 International fire truck and a new city
hall/fire station on land donated by Park College (University)
at the junction of First Street and Highway 9. Construction was
completed by the volunteer firefighters.
Through the years the name changed a few times and the coverage
area increased. In 1976, the South Platte Fire and Rescue
Department became Southern Platte Fire Protection District. New
stations were built and rented and new trucks were purchased for
the growing Fire District.
Since then, continued population growth has resulted in
subsequent growth and change within SPFPD. The District map can
be viewed through this link (District Map PDF).
Presently, Southern Platte is comprised of four (4) fire
stations, three (3) of which are staffed 24 hours a day and
located throughout the Fire District. There are nineteen (19)
cities/villages within Platte County; five (5) are in the Fire
District. Southern Platte serves a response area of
approximately 76 square miles and approximately 37,000 citizens.
The District is a political subdivision of the State of
Missouri, similar to school districts, water districts or
library districts and must adhere to State Statute Chapter 321
and all supplements to the general statutes of the State of
Missouri.
The Fire District receives its funding from property taxes
assessed to property owners owning property within the
boundaries of the Fire Protection District. Some additional
funding is derived through contractual arrangements and grant
programs.
The District is governed by a three-member board (per state
statutes) elected by the voters of the Fire Protection District.
The Board oversees the Fire District operations and appoints the
fire chief. The fire chief designates such volunteers and career
staff as is authorized by the Board to carry out the
responsibilities of the Fire District. Among these designees are
officers who assist the fire chief in the management of the Fire
District.
