After several years without a fully functioning volunteer fire department, several residents of the Cedarcreek community are stepping up to serve and protect.

One of the first projects on their list: getting their three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) functional again. That is where Skaggs Foundation has been able to step in and provide the district with a small grant to purchase the necessary supplies.

“We have a population of about 480 residents with the median age of 54 spread out over 50 square miles,” explained Fire District Board President Debra Santee, who said they see their population grow every summer. “We have also seen an increase of families with children moving here. In the past year, 60 percent of our calls have been medical with more than 75 percent of those being shortness of breath and heart conditions.” 

With the help of Taney County Ambulance District, the fire district was able to have their AEDs serviced and now with the grant to purchase the needed supplies, their AEDs will be fully functional again soon. 

“Cedarcreek Volunteer Fire Protection District strives to promote, preserve and protect our public safety and security of all of our members of the community utilizing effective fire prevention techniques and by providing quality fire, rescue and emergency medical services with compassion and a commitment to excellence,” Santee said. “We put 100 percent into upholding this, but it is hard to do if we do not have the equipment functioning when needed.” 

The public has several ways they can also support the volunteer fire department. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the fire department’s resale shop, which is located at the fire station, is open to the public. Proceeds from the shop help support the fire department. 

On Saturday, Nov. 12, the fire department will host its annual Deer Hunters Supper from 5-7 p.m. at the fire station. The event includes dinner at 5 p.m., a raffle, door prizes and auction. Santee said the supper usually raises between 20-30 percent of the district’s annual budget. 

Anyone interested in learning more about the fire station or becoming a volunteer firefighter is invited to stop by the fire station on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

To learn more about Skaggs Foundation, visit SkaggsFoundation.org