The Rally Is Back

A crowd gathered in the Southern Hills parking lot behind Murphy USA in West Plains on Saturday morning to watch the first Fire Truck Rally in over ten years.

“We’re bringing it back,” expressed Eleven Point Fire Chief, Frank Vanhorn about Saturday’s event. “It has been 10 or 12 years since we have had one of these rallies,” commented Pumpkin Center Fire Chief, and committee member for the event, David Boone. 

Saturday’s event featured many departments from the Howell County area including the West Plains Fire Department, Pomona, Howell Rural, Mountain View, Eleven Point, Willow Springs, Pottersville, Pumpkin Center, Peace Valley, and other surrounding departments. 

The departments gathered for a pancake breakfast at the WPFD Station #1, prior to making their way to the Southern Hills parking lot. Royce Sims, retired fire chief of West Plains, was presented with an appreciation plaque for his years of service before the competitive games began. 

Departments went head-to-head in Tug of War, Reverse Hose Lay, Five Man Alarm, Bucket Brocade, and Six Man Fire Engine Pull. “These games involve the firemen by simulating many things we have to do, like the Five-Man Alarm. We are also doing the Bucket Brocade. That is a simulation of how they used to fight fires a long time ago,” informed Chief Boone.   

“We work together in this as a brotherhood and sisterhood,” said Chief Boone. He continued to explain that many communities in Howell County are benefiting from this event by these departments spreading the awareness about the growing need for volunteers. “We need firefighters, we need volunteers,” he said. “Some departments even have full-time positions open,” he added. “Anyone with an interest in volunteering should contact the West Plains Fire Department,” he concluded.  

The Eleven Point and Willow Springs Departments took home a total of two trophies from the event, Pottersville took home two, and the West Plains took home one. 

Saturday’s Fire Truck Rally was organized by the Howell County Fire Chief Association and the Howell County Commission. In a follow-up statement, committee member and Eleven Point Fire Chief Frank Vanhorn said, “Everyone had a blast of a good time. We will definitely be back next year!”