Fire Department · Combination
Western Taney County Fire Protection District
Branson, MO · Taney County
“"Become an everyday hero!"”
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Western Taney County Fire Protection District protects roughly 207 square miles of the western third of Taney County in southwest Missouri, serving the communities of Bull Creek, Hollister, Kirbyville, Merriam Woods, Mincy, Ridgedale, Rockaway Beach, Walnut Shade, and the surrounding unincorporated areas (the City of Branson itself is excluded). The district also contracts to serve as the City of Hollister's fire department and provides protection for College of the Ozarks.
Formed by voters on November 2, 1982 and operational since January 1, 1983, the district grew out of a merger of the earlier Branson-Rockaway and Oakmont fire districts. It now operates from 13 fire stations across the lake-country landscape near Branson.
Despite its size and modern apparatus fleet, the district remains staffed by a dedicated force of volunteer firefighters. Its equipment includes engines, tankers, brush trucks, rescues, a ladder, a haz-mat unit, and a fleet of boats for water response on the area's lakes and rivers.
The district holds a Class 4 ISO Public Protection Classification district-wide (effective October 1, 2020), reflecting decades of steady investment in stations, water supply, and equipment.
Mission"This organization shall proudly protect lives and property by providing prompt, skillful, cost-effective fire protection, rescue, hazardous materials and life safety services to the citizens and visitors within the boundaries of the Western Taney County Fire Protection District."
Western Taney County is a volunteer fire district, and it recruits community members on a rolling basis rather than through periodic career academies. Applicants must be at least 18 (a Junior Firefighter program is available for those 14-17), live within the fire district, the Branson city limits, or within two road-miles of the district boundary, hold a valid Missouri driver's license, and pass a background check.
Interested candidates apply through the district's Volunteer Opportunities page. New members receive training through the district's own training division and burn/tower facilities.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age (ages 14-17 may join the Junior Firefighter program)
- Live within the Fire District, the City Limits of Branson, or within 2 road-miles of the Fire District boundaries
- Have a valid Missouri driver's license
- Pass a background check
Hiring process
- Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements (age, residency, license, background)
- Submit an application through the district's Volunteer Opportunities page
- Complete a background check
- Begin training through the district's training division
New members are trained through the district's own training division; a Junior Firefighter program is offered for ages 14-17.
Do I have to be a paid firefighter to serve here?
No. Western Taney County is a volunteer fire district and recruits volunteer firefighters from the community on an ongoing basis.
What are the basic requirements to join?
You must be at least 18, live within the fire district, the Branson city limits, or within 2 road-miles of the district boundary, hold a valid Missouri driver's license, and pass a background check.
Can I join if I'm under 18?
Yes. Applicants aged 14 to 17 can participate through the district's Junior Firefighter program.
How do I apply?
Apply through the district's Volunteer Opportunities page, which links to the online application.
Do I need to live in the district?
Yes. You must live within the Fire District, the City Limits of Branson, or within two road-miles of the district boundaries.