The Mt. Vernon Fire Department was organized in 1897, with its first members being a "bucket brigade." Shortly thereafter, the department obtained a manual pump cart and ladder wagon that could be pulled either by hand or by horse.

Between the years of 1900 and 1910, Mt. Vernon Firefighters were three-time hook and ladder state champions. The firefighters also formed a town band during that time.

In 1920, the Mt. Vernon Fire Department became a "motorized" department with the purchase of an American LaFrance Fire engine.

Until 1952, the City of Mt. Vernon had only one fire engine. At that time, the Mt. Vernon Rural Fire Association was formed and another used fire engine was purchased. Since that time the City and Rural departments have continued to upgrade equipment. Currently, the city owns three class-one pumpers and a rescue/mini-pumper. The Rural department now has two class-one pumpers and one older pumper truck, along with three brush-fire fighting vehicles, one 1200-gallon tanker and two blazers.

The current Mt. Vernon Fire Department is an all-volunteer department with the exception of the Chief. Fire Chief, Melvin Owens, has over 40 years of firefighting experience and leads a crew of 20 additional firemen with over 300 years of combined firefighting experience. The current ISO rating, which is used to determine the effectiveness of a department, is a class 6. This is a rating that is normally achieved by departments that are full-time and are serving communities with a population of 7,000 to 10,000 people. Mt. Vernon's population is currently just over 4,000 residents.

Duties of the current department include not only fighting fires but also routine inspections and public appearances at schools and community events. Meetings are held at least once a month to update firefighter training and equipment practices.

The City and Rural departments are the same yet different. Each is a separate entity, but both use the same firefighters and can use the same equipment practices.

The Mt. Vernon Fire Department continues to look toward the future and continues to take the steps necessary to provide its firefighters with the equipment and training necessary to protect the community and to save lives and property.

For more information, please contact Fire Chief, Melvin Owens or Assistant Fire Chief, Brad Delay at 417-461-0837 or by email at mvfd@mcshi.com.