The French Village Fire Department covers a 21 square mile district that is located 10 miles east of St. Louis, MO.
We cover the area out of 2 stations, utilizing two Class A engines, one 75’ Quint, (Ladder Truck) one Medium Duty Rescue Truck and two Command Vehicles. We cover area in the City of Fairview Heights, the Village of Caseyville, the City of Belleville and the City of E. St. Louis, and a large area of unincorporated St. Clair County.This area contains a mixture of industrial, urban, suburban, and rural areas. We also cover portions of 2 major interstates, 3 primary routes, and a large amount of critical infrastructure, as identified by the Department of Homeland Security.
We are a Fire Protection District, therefore are governed by a three member board that is appointed by the St. Clair County Board. We are funded by a property tax levy on property owners in the district.
The department was formed in 1946, just after World War 2 by some forward thinking citizens in the French Village and Dutch Hollow areas of then unincorporated St. Clair County. In the beginning, the firefighters raised money by holding raffles and picnics to raise funds. In 1953, the issue to form a fire protection district was placed on the ballot in the general election and was passed by a large margin, and the French Village Fire Protection District was formed. The district would provide the funding needed to sustain the fledgling fire department.
The French Village Firefighters Association Misson Statement
It is the mission of the French Village Volunteer Fire Fighters Inc. to provide its residents, and visitors, the highest level of services in fire protection and rescue assistance.
To continually train on new and better techniques in the above disciplines’ to provide our citizens with the most up to date resources in fire protection, rescue, and first response.
To constantly seek financial assistance from additional sources and to use these monies to efficiently and effectively improve our abilities to serve the community that we protect.
To assist the Fire Protection District in any of it’s endeavors’ relating to our mission.
To safeguard life and property without regard to race, creed and religion.
To constantly and consistently be watchful of taxpayer’s monies placed in our care.
To assist our fellow firefighters and neighboring communities any time they need or request our assistance.
To do no harm to anyone or anything whose path may cross ours.
To constantly remember the oath that we took when becoming a member of this organization, and hold it in its highest honor.
Today, the department enjoys a reputation for providing professional firefighting, rescue, and Haz-Mat first response services to the residents that they serve.
We are members of the following organizations.
Southwestern Illinois Firefighter’s Association
St. Clair County Fire Chief’s Association
National Fire Protection Association
Illinois Fire Protection District Association
St Clair County Fire Protection District Association
