Fire Department

The first Webb City Fire volunteer fire department was established in 1889 under the leadership of Fire Chief Henry Wonner.

The Webb City Fire Department became an all-paid department in 1899. This was also the first year the department received their first hose wagon and horses.

In 1910 the citizens of Webb City voted on a bond issue to purchase the first auto fire apparatus and a ladder truck for $10,000.00 Both the auto and the ladder truck were on display at the International Association of Fire Chiefs Convention in Syracuse, New York prior to their delivery in the late summer and early fall of 1910. It was state of the art for it’s time with battery’s warning bells, headlights, hose reel and fire-fighting equipment. It came in vermillion red with gold leaf lettering.

In the early years of the department, with each Mayor’s election the Fire Chief’s job was on the line. The Fire Chief had to belong to the same political party as the mayor.

The Assistant Chief may become Chief and the Chief may be demoted to the Assistant position. This is Old time politics.

The Fire Department was housed in various locations until 1975. In 1975 the city purchased land behind the City Hall and built a new Fire Station. The department remained there until 2004 when the old station was replaced by new one at 506 S. Ellis Street.

The new station has six drive thru bays and eight individual bedrooms.

The station houses three Freightliner Engines, one E One ladder Truck, F-350 Brush Truck, F-250 Service Truck, F-150 Fire Inspector Truck and the Chief’s Crown Vic.

We also house two ambulances which are staffed by outside personnel.

The department has a staff of 20 full-time personnel. The department is led by,

Fire Chief: Ernest F. Goad.  Battalion Chief’s: Jackie Clark, Mark Metsker, Ron Metcalf

Fire Inspector/Training Officer Andy Roughton