In 2016, retired Fire Chief Mike Denzer envisioned strengthening the camaraderie between the current and retired Chillicothe Fire Department (CFD) and the Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District (CCFPD). With the fire department transitioning to the CCFPD, unity was needed while treading unfamiliar territory.

The Chillicothe Community Firefighters Association (CCFA) is a registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. A board of directors made up of active and retired firefighters governs the CCFA. Current and retired members of the CFD, CCFD, and the CCFPD, as well as their families, can apply for active and social memberships. The CCFA currently has close to 100 members.

Many people ask why Fred Meister’s name was included in the association’s name. Fred Meister played an instrumental role in forming the Chillicothe Community Fire Department in 1953 and served as the board of directors president from the mid-50s to 1990. Fred served the citizens of Chillicothe and surrounding communities for 48 years. When not fulfilling obligations on behalf of the fire department, he served the community in other capacities.

The CCFA was founded with a mission to give back to the community where they live, work, and serve. Since its establishment, the CCFA has supported firefighters and their families, participated in community events, and collaborated with other local organizations. Its efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

The CCFA hosts various events that bring together firefighters and community members, such as the annual fish fry during Chillicothe Days, the fall pancake breakfast in Mossville, and the annual Bucket Brigade. Fundraisers like these allow the CCFA to sponsor various sports teams, offer yearly scholarships, support local charities and causes, and provide members of the CCFPD with personal hand tools that will keep them safe and aid them on/off the fire ground.

So, the next time you see a firetruck going through town, think about the men and women riding inside. They strive to improve the community in which they live, work, and serve by being a member of the CCFA.

Current Board Members: 
President Tyler DeFoe, Vice President Joe Nauman, Treasurer Craig Bannister, Secretary Nick Reginald, and Public Relations Officer Tyler Millar.