A letter from Fire Chief Dennis M. Jenkerson of the St. Louis Fire Department:

Hello and welcome to the web site for the Great Fire Engine Rally. Here you will find all the information you need about this year’s 26th Annual Rally. Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, September 12, 2009. Last year was the first time in the history of the rally that it was held on Saturday and it was a huge success. Having the rally on Saturday seemed to make it easier for everyone traveling and planning. The location of the rally was also moved last year to Lenora K. Sullivan Blvd. directly below the arch. This made for some fantastic photo opportunities of all the people, trucks, and activities in the shadow of the Gateway Arch! This year should be no different. St. Louis is a wonderful, family-friendly area with many great places to see and visit but nothing says St. Louis like the Gateway Arch.

The St. Louis Fire Department has over 150 years of tradition and service to the community. We work very hard at being the best for our citizens and the surrounding communities. In St. Louis County alone, there are over 40 paid and combination departments and they are all top notch. We are very fortunate to be surrounded by so many great departments. St. Louis City and the metro area departments have established a great mutual aid program and we help each other out on a very regular basis. The Great Fire Engine Rally is no different. When you come to St. Louis for the Rally, you are going to have a chance to see everyone working together to provide you and your family with a safe, educational and fun- filled day the entire family will enjoy. This event is hosted by the St. Louis Fire Department but without the support of the greater St. Louis Metro Fire Departments, this event would not be possible.

Back by popular demand is the Great Firefighters’ Ball. Last year was the first year for the Firefighters’ Ball and it was a huge success! It will be held the night before the rally on Friday, September 11. This event will have an extra special meaning this year as it falls on the anniversary of the tragic events that took the lives of 343 of our fellow firefighters in New York City in 2001. The Firefighters’ Ball begins with a silent auction followed by a wonderful meal and ends with a great band providing music for dancing and fellowship for everyone in attendance. Most importantly, the proceeds from the auction and Ball go to the Backstoppers organization. See the link on this web site for more information about the Firefighters’ Ball.

Also this year, a very special event will take place on Thursday, September 10. The 1st Annual Fallen Firefighters’ Candlelight Remembrance Vigil will be held at the Firefighter Statue located across from City Hall at the intersection of Market and Tucker in downtown St. Louis. Laura Morrison, the widow of Firefighter Rob Morrison with Rescue Squad #1 of the STLFD who was killed along with Firefighter Derek Martin in the line of duty, suggested this ceremony. Mrs. Morrison would like to have all the names of the firefighters, who have died in the line of duty in the St. Louis Metro area, read aloud. This will be a wonderful way to pay tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

I would like to personally invite everyone to our great city for this wonderful event. Last year’s rally was the biggest in its 25 years and we hope that this year’s is even bigger. If you’re a firefighter, fire buff, or a citizen who loves fire trucks, the fire service and the people who answer the call, this is a great opportunity to come and help us celebrate the long & rich history of the fire service.

Please take a look around on the site, register your fire truck for the parade, sign up for the firefighters’ challenge, or reserve a spot to sell your collectables. Have a safe summer, and we’ll see you in September under the Gateway Arch!

Respectfully,

Dennis M. Jenkerson
Fire Chief