Museum offers history of Monett Fire Department, gear, instruments

Jessica Breger Special to Monett Monthly

The Monett Historical Society and Museum has a new display on show this month honoring local heroes. 

Just in time for Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5-11, the museum set up a new display showcasing the history of the Monett Fire Department and the locals who made it great. 

The Monett Fire Department was established in 1906 and was led by Monett’s first Fire Chief James Lawson Jeffries who served the department for 18 years. 

The department is now led by Fire Chief Brandon Pennington, who took on the role in August. 

Pennington’s own grandfather James “Jim” E. Nolan also served as Fire Chief for 31 years before retiring in 1993. 

According to the Monett city website, the Monett Fire Department has an I.S.O. rating of Class 4, with two fire stations; Station 1 located at 211 Fifth Street and Station 2 located at 904 County Road.

Monett Fire Department provides public education called Big Red, which teaches fire safety throughout the school year to first and fourth graders in Monett and Freistatt schools.

The fire department serves to provide citizens with aid in fire suppression, EMS, and rescue services.

The museum’s display ventures through the past fire chiefs, historic fires and the crews who have protected the city through the years.

Available to view are also gear and instruments used by the Monett fire department and information on fire safety and prevention. 

The display went up leading into October to bring more awareness to Fire Prevention week and fire safety as fire dangers increase in winter months. 

This year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

This year’s focus on lithium-ion batteries aims to educate the public about how to buy, charge and dispose of them safely.

Most of the electronics in our homes including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones and toys are powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Monett residents are encouraged to discuss fire safety at home and visit the museum to learn about the history and importance of our fire department and fire safety. 

The Museum is open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.