East County Fire Protection District to celebrate 25th year wi

The East County Fire Protection District will hold its first open house Sunday to celebrate 25 years of community service.

The open house will be from noon to 4 p.m. at the Egypt Mills Station, 7515 Highway 177. The station is north of the Egypt Mills Tractor Club and south of Schlegel Auto Body and Paint.

"It's a thank you to the community," said firefighter LaDonna Cossey.

On display will be some of the district's trucks and tours of the training area and equipment will be given, Cossey said.

In its quarter-century existence, the fire protection district has grown from a small group with three trucks to 42 volunteer firefighters and 18 apparatus, according to a news release from the district.

Of the vehicles included are a system of tank trucks and "drop tanks" to bring water help fight fires as there are few hydrants in the rural areas. According to the news release, the district holds the fastest tanker shuttle record in Missouri.

With a total of three stations, including the Indian Creek Station, 4000 Route V, and the Hanover Station, 4564 County Road 621, the district's average response time is five minutes, the release stated.

The district serves a population of 5,500 people in a 72-square-mile area bordered by Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Fruitland.