New Equipment Will Help Tiff City Department Save Lives

Sally Carroll/McDonald County Press Tiff City firefighters include Jacob Pierce (left), Dewey Pierce, assistant chief Richard Huston, junior firefighter Case Huston, Scott Huston, John Moore and Nate Walter. Not pictured are Chief Terry Renner, Christine House, Devin House, Cecil Matt Michael, Keisha Clark and Ted Huston.
Sally Carroll/McDonald County Press Tiff City firefighters include Jacob Pierce (left), Dewey Pierce, assistant chief Richard Huston, junior firefighter Case Huston, Scott Huston, John Moore and Nate Walter. Not pictured are Chief Terry Renner, Christine House, Devin House, Cecil Matt Michael, Keisha Clark and Ted Huston.

Located on the Oklahoma/Missouri state line, the Tiff City Fire Department draws help from both states to provide a good economic base.

Assistant Fire Chief Richard Huston said the department is eligible for aid from the Missouri Forestry Department while receiving money from tax dollars in Oklahoma. The department also receives contributions from Tiff City residents.

That's great news for this all-volunteer fire department which, like others in McDonald County, relies on hard work to serve its citizens.

The department is unique, serving two states and three counties, including Delaware and Ottawa counties in Oklahoma. The department responds to calls within 52 square miles in Missouri and 10 square miles in Oklahoma.

Headed by Fire Chief Terry Renner, the 12-member volunteer fire department responds to medical calls and motor vehicle accidents, among other duties.

So far this year, the department has responded to 96 calls, Huston said.

The most challenging aspect is responding to big fires.

With one engine, two tankers, three brush trucks and a response vehicle, the volunteer group is equipped to aid in a variety of ways, while providing mutual aid for structure fires.

Volunteers received a boost this year by obtaining a battery-operated Jaws of Life, and new uniforms which will be arriving soon, Huston said.

The department has had a hydraulic Jaws of Life for about 12 years but felt battery-operated Jaws of Life would help responders "with a little faster start," Huston said.

Huston, as assistant fire chief, oversees the paperwork for the department. He's been a part of the group in different capacities since it organized in 1986.

After serving in the military, where Huston served others, he feels compelled to help people.

Firefighters experience long hours, no pay and the weather elements. So what's the most satisfying aspect for the volunteers?

"When you save someone," Huston said. "That's the best experience."

General News on 10/25/2018