About Us

DISTRICT OFFICERS

Jim Towles, Fire Chief

Owen Hoover, Deputy Chief

David Leinbach, Assistant Chief

Matthew Jones, Battalion Chief/Training Officer

Shawn Weaver, Captain

Travis Zimmerman, Lieutenant

Jeffery Shirk, Lieutenant

Dylan Litwiller, Lieutenant

History- The Versailles Rural Fire Protection District was formed in 1989, by a vote of our citizens, to become a property tax supported fire protection district. This election brought together the Versailles Rural Fire Department, (est. 1952), and the Morgan County Rescue Squad, (est. 1977). Both of our predecessor organizations were funded by donations and fundraisers. 

Prior to becoming a tax supported fire district our apparatus and equipment were far from state of the art. Our engines were from the 60's and 70's. Our tankers were VERY used, high mileage trucks that we placed old milk or gasoline tanks on to haul water. Our brush trucks and rescue truck were military surplus vehicles that we adapted to our needs. Our fire gear and SCBA's were "hand me downs" from other departments and military surplus. 

The initial tax rate was 30 cents per $100 assessed valuation and provided us with approximately $55,000 per year in funding. With this boost in funding, we were able to provide newer apparatus, gear and equipment for our firefighters. 1996 brought about a new opportunity when we partnered with Moreau Fire Protection District to re-draw district lines and build a "Co-Op" station on Hwy E to better serve the Excelsior area. Station 2 was finished in 1997 and was staffed by members of both Versailles Rural and Moreau fire districts with equipment and apparatus provided by both districts. This station operated as a "Co-Op" station until approximately 2000 when the Versailles Rural Fire District assumed all operations and renamed it Station 2.         In 1997 it was realized that to stay current with evolving tactics and equipment, the Board of Directors decided to ask for a tax levy increase, bringing the tax rate to 49 cents per $100 assessed valuation. This levy was passed with overwhelming support, and we were able to immediately purchase our very first, brand new apparatus at a cost of $95,000 (current price $550,000), and is our current Engine 21, a 1997 Freightliner. We were also able to purchase new SCBA's and gear. In 2000 we purchased two, 2000 GMC/Midwest 1,800-gallon tankers (Tankers 12 and 31) and a used engine/tanker (Tanker 21), plus a used rescue truck which was sold a few years later. In 2011 it was determined we needed to purchase a new "frontline" engine. After working with apparatus dealers on specs and options, we chose Firemaster Fire Equipment of Springfield, MO to begin the process of building a custom Ferrara Fire Apparatus engine. This truck was custom built in Louisiana and was delivered to us in 2012 for a purchase price of $352,000 (2026 price $850,000). Fast forward to 2019 and it was obvious that we needed to upgrade our tanker fleet. After speaking with dealers, we chose Danko Fire Equipment of Nebraska to build a new Freightliner tanker with a 750GPM pump and 3,000 gallons of water for a cost of $250,000, (2026 price $450,000). This truck was delivered in 2020 and is the last brand-new truck we purchased.                                   Since 2020, we have been able to obtain a 1991 Seagrave ladder truck from the California, MO Fire Department, two 2010 Squad's off auction from the Sedgewick County Fire District in Kansas and a 1991 E-One heavy rescue truck from a department in Oklahoma. We have been able to purchase, equip and put these four trucks in service for less than $250,000. To purchase these trucks brand new would have cost in the neighborhood of $3,000,000.       No matter what the future holds, the members of the Versailles Rural Fire Protection District stand ready to be there when you need us.

"Service Before Self"